Vincent Philip Alionis
December 17, 1950 — June 26, 2026
Written by:
Mary Alionis
Vincent Philip Alionis, of Whistling Duck Farm in Provolt, died at home on June 26, 2026. Vince was born December 17, 1950, in Floral Park, New York, to Agnes and Vincent Alones, and grew up with his parents, grandparents, and sister, Vinessa. He had a deep connection to his grandfather Peter and learned a love of growing food and building from him. He spent his early adulthood in Montauk, lobster fishing and learning carpentry before moving to New York City, where he worked in the gem and jewelry trade and built sets for photo shoots.
Vince was a lifelong student of history. He came of age during the Vietnam War and the early environmental movement and learned to question the official narrative early. He wanted nothing more than to start an organic farm when he met his wife, Mary, in Dallas, Texas. Together they moved to southern Oregon and began Whistling Duck Farm in 1991. In Shady Cove and then on their own beautiful property on Elk Creek Road in Trail, Vince was finally able to create the farmstead he had envisioned, building infrastructure, developing farm systems, working in the woods, clearing blackberries along Sugarpine Creek, living his best life. In 2003, he and Mary relocated to better farming land in the Applegate Valley, where they raised their children, Zosha and Kazi, and over the years built a dynamic farm, kitchen, and on-farm store.
Vince and Mary were a part of the Rogue Valley growers markets for decades. They also sold their crops to local food stores and restaurants and through their CSA program, and they opened their own farm store in 2014. Vince was particularly well-known in the Ashland Market, attending consistently for over 25 years. He was a respected part of the local and regional market-farming community, collaborating on projects and teaching and mentoring dozens of interns and employees over the years, many of whom went on to start farms locally and across the nation. His humor was an eccentric blend of “New York meets-Texas,” and many who worked with and spent time with him fondly remember his stories, signature sayings, and mischievous smile. He was constantly learning and freely shared his wisdom and knowledge on farming, building, and life with all who asked. He had a cooperative and collaborative mindset and wanted everyone to succeed and to find their path.
While Vince loved farming and working the land, by far his greatest happiness came from his family and seeing his children grow and thrive. Vince is survived by his wife, Mary Alionis; daughter, Zosha Alionis; son, Kazimer Alionis; sister, Vinessa Alones; and nephews AJ Fraley and Eric Fraley.
It’s been such good fortune to spend this life together, Vincent, my beloved husband and beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. You will be missed.
Mary Alionis
