More detail on this person: Morris A. Rainville, 91, of Canterbury, CT and Maitland, FL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family and faithful cat, Katy, on May 27, 2017, after a full and wonderful life. He was born on May 6, 1926 at home in Danielson, CT, the son of the late Julius and Florence (Aldrich) Rainville. Morris was educated in the Killingly, CT school system. In 1944, at the age of 18, he attained his pilots' license even before getting his drivers' license, beginning a lifelong love of aviation. He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and because of his previous flight experience of 6 years in conventional aircraft, he was selected for helicopter flight training in the very first class of its kind at Fort Sill, OK. He then served for three years as a helicopter pilot during the Korean War, assigned to the 9223rd Transportation Arctic Group, whose duties included supporting scientists from the leading universities in the United States and France doing research on the Greenland Icecap. After his discharge from the service, Morris attained his AA degree from Cameron State Agricultural College in Lawton, OK and continued to work in the aviation field as a commercial helicopter pilot and at Kaman Aircraft in Moosup, CT. He left to continue his undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut, receiving his BA degree in Liberal Arts in 1965 and a fifth year in education from Central Connecticut State University in 1966. Morris spent the majority of his teaching career as an industrial arts and electronics teacher at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT. After leaving the profession in 1976, he and his wife, Liz, operated a picture framing business, The Mitre Box, for 32 years at their studio in Sharon, CT, where they resided in a home they built themselves until moving to Canterbury, CT in 2001. Morris was a man of many talents and enjoyed a wonderful retirement. He had his ham radio license and was a very accomplished musician, playing piano and organ for many years, despite not being able to read a note of music. He was an organist for churches in Sharon and North Cornwall, CT and was in demand to play piano at private parties and at the White Hart Inn in Salisbury, CT for many years. He was also a member of the HousaTonics, a barbershop group that entertained at various functions in the NW corner of CT. Morris had a lifelong love of history, especially Civil War history and had quite a collection of Civil War memorabilia. After developing an aversion to the cold New England winters, he and Liz spent their retirement years enjoying the warmth of their home in Maitland, FL. There he developed new friendships and became interested in computers, taking classes at a local community college at the age of 82. His passion for computers developed into his love for Facebook, where at his death, he had 1537 "friends". Morris never stopped being interested in life and learning and it was especially gratifying to him in his later years to hear from his former students on Facebook, who expressed their sincere thanks to him for all he had taught them. Morris is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elisabeth (Byles) Rainville, stepdaughter Kimberly McCarthy (Kyle) of Canterbury, CT, with whom he made his home, stepson James Oliver III (Lonna) of Danielson, CT, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren as well as his brother Paul Rainville (Shirley) of Bend, Oregon and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Morris was predeceased by his two sisters, Dorothy Basto and Evangeline Brix. Morris' family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional team of nurses and auxiliary staff, especially Jen, Sandy and Donna, from the Center for Hospice Care, Southeast CT. Their expertise, professionalism and the compassionate manner in which they handled Morris' illness will be remembered always. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Morris' memory to this wonderful organization, Center for Hospice Care, Southeast CT, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360. Funeral services and burial will be private. www.doughertybrosfuneralhome.com
This information was last updated 08/08/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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