LAURENT "LARRY" JOSEPH RAINVILLESOUTH HERO - Laurent "Larry" Joseph Rainville, 85, died peacefully on Friday, May 18, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born Nov. 2, 1926, in St. Hyacinthe, P.Q. Canada, the son of the late Omer and Cecilea Bernard Rainville. On May 10, 1952, he married Lillian Margaret Marcotte. They were married for over 59 years, prior to her death on Oct. 30, 2011. Larry was involved in dairy farming most of his life. He purchased his first farm in Jericho in 1952, and at that time he also had a "Milk Run" where he picked up milk cans and delivered them to the milk coop. But, his dream was to own a farm in the Champlain islands and he did so in 1960. He served on the Farm Bureau and ASCS committees for a number of years. He was very proud of his many milk quality awards and his "Conservation of the Year" award. He retired after 50 years of farming. He enjoyed sugar making, traveling, playing cards and visiting with family and friends. He is survived by his children, Michael and wife, Melody, of Dayton, Ohio, Roger and wife, Claire, of Alburgh, Elizabeth and husband, Bill, of Colorado, Monica and husband, Dwight, of Grand Isle, Gerard of Colchester, Jacqueline "Jackie" of Alburgh, and Rene of North Hero; grandchildren, Yolanda, Kasha, Adam, Natasha, Danielle, Joshua, Sarah, Travis, Thomas, Tyler, Travis, Ryan, Christina, Thomas and Theresa; great-grand- children, Zoie, Jared, Vincent, Isabel, Isbel, Gabriel, Joselyn, and little baby, Neill. He is also survived by his four brothers, Jean Louis and wife, Cecile, of Fairfax, Paul Emile and wife, Lillian, of St. Albans, Jean Guy and wife, Fernande, of Fairfax, and Gilles and wife, Claudette, of Fairfax; three sisters, Fernande Tougas of Swanton, Imelda Tougas and husband, John, of Swanton, and Therese Paquette of Jericho; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert and Charlotte Marcotte of Essex Junction, Norman and Rita Marcotte of Shelburne, Claire and Laurenzo "Loni" Bushway of Shelburne, Rachel and Vern Hutchins of Charlotte, and Paul and Melanie Marcotte of North Carolina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Larry was predeceased by his granddaughter, Mindy; brothers, Gaston, Robert, Bernard and Harvey Rainville; sisters, Madeleine Quintin, Marie Paule Langelier, and his infant sister, Noella; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Rosaire Tougas, Maurice Paquette, Leona Rainville, Paul Quintin and Yvan Langelier. We extend a special thank you to Kathy Robinson who so affectionately cared for Dad until his last day. We also thank Dad's neighbors, the Allen's, who gave him such peace of mind. Also, Hospice, South Hero Rescue, all the caregivers, family, friends and neighbors who visited with warm hearts and loving support. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. A Celebration of Larry's life will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 10 a.m. at 138 South Street, in Larry's backyard. For those who wish to come, the burial will follow at Hyde Cemetery in North Hero. All are invited to a barbecue following the burial at 138 South Street. Online condolences may be made at
www.minorfh.com
