80-year-old baker drives 60 miles daily to supply 10 Vermont stores

George Peak, 80, completes a 60-mile delivery route daily to supply 10 stores in northern Vermont with baked goods produced in Walden. His wife, Colleen Willette, 69, manages the production at their bakery, which is housed in a converted barn on their farm.

The couple, married for 30 years, established the business after Willette outgrew her home kitchen capacity. The operation began two years ago when they moved production into a barn originally constructed to house Peak’s tractor. Willette stated that the business volume increased rapidly following that move.

The bakery is located off a dirt road, surrounded by state forest. On weekends, the space functions as a diner. It serves snowmobilers who use a trail that runs adjacent to the building. Peak noted that the rural setting is ideal, stating, “How could you not love it up here? You look around and trees are covered.”

Willette produces whoopie pies using local maple syrup. She described the recipe as including “a lot of love” and called the final product “quite a treat.” Peak handles the driving portion of the business, a task he performs despite his age. Willette said he is “holding up pretty good” and noted that he takes a nap after his lunch break.

Friends have questioned why the couple continues to work after retiring. Willette responded to their skepticism by saying, “I’m enjoying myself.” Peak added that the schedule prevents conflict between them. “We don’t have time to argue,” Peak said. Willette agreed, adding, “But I’m always right, so there’s no arguing.”

The couple plans to continue operating the bakery and diner. Peak said he would not want to live anywhere else. The next scheduled deliveries will occur tomorrow morning.