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Gardiner, Maine

Fred Rines Obituary

GARDINER -- Fred Rines, 88, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, of natural causes, having walked to find his eternal home.

His parents were Ruth Trafton Rines and William H. Rines of Gardiner. His beloved sister, Rachel Rines Farrow, died a few years ago.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Catherine Kincaid Rines, and by two sons, Dr. Brian and wife, Nancy Rines, of Gardiner, and Kincaid "Rudi" Rines of South Dresden. Also surviving are his nephew, Paul Hawkes; his grandchildren, Marco, Emily, Sarah and Ivory; a great-grandson, Asher; and many close cousins, grandnieces and nephews. His sister-in-law, Mary Kincaid Horan of St. John's, Newfoundland, and brother-in-law Robert Kincaid and wife and family of Nova Scotia, are especially remembered. Cheryl Dillingham Beyeler was a dear family friend, too, as was his special acquaintance and caregiver, Judie Wilkins. His canine companion, Governor VIII, also survives.

His adult life exemplified that of the "Greatest Generation." Shaped by his Navy service as a senior mail specialist in Okinawa, he returned home, as did many of his peers, determined to make a better and peace-filled life for his wife, family and community.

He was a member of the Gardiner City Council for two terms, the Gardiner School Board for a term, and then for two terms on the School Administrative District 11 board, serving as its treasurer. He was appointed to the Gardiner Water District on two separate occasions and served four terms, one of them as chairman. He was a Lion who served as chaplain and also was a member of numerous Masonic bodies, including Hermon Lodge 32, from which he had received his 60-year pin.

As a long-term member of Smith-Wiley Post 5, he earned notice in the community by participating in each of its annual parades proudly dressed in his World War II Navy uniform, as shown in Doyle's "Gardiner Reflections."

He was educated in Gardiner schools, graduating in 1935, and received an accounting certificate from Bentley College in 1937. Then, in the late 1950s, he converted that at Colby College into an accounting degree through the GI Bill.

He was a licensed accountant in the state of Maine. He served as a director of the Gardiner Savings Institution for 14 years and continued to serve as a member of its advisory board. He was a lifelong member of the Winter Street Baptist Church in Gardiner, where he served as its treasurer for more than a decade and then as its moderator for almost 25 years.

He was employed by the United States Post Office for 40 years, serving his last 17 as a postmaster in Gardiner. Not surprisingly, he was an avid stamp collector and served as an officer of the Maine Philatelist Society.

The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to MaineGeneral Health Alzheimer's Care Center, 154 Dresden Ave., Gardiner, ME 04345, in his memory and that of his sister; or to another charity of the donor's choice. Envelopes will be available.

Visiting hours will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday afternoon at Winter Street Baptist Church, with a reception in the church hall afterwards.

A spring committal will take place. Arrangements for the services and burial are being made by Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Morning Sentinel on Jan. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Rines

Not sure what to say?





Carol Buzzell

February 15, 2007

Dear Catherine,
So sorry to hear of Fred's passing. My Mom & Dad (Clayton & Glenice Bubier) are in Florida and they called me because they just found out about Fred. I remember the fun times we had as a child at the lake with you, Fred & Aunt Vidie feeding the chipmunks. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Mert & Carol Buzzell

Ruth M. Lane

February 3, 2007

Dear Catherine, My son, Thomas Gilpatrick, advised me of Fred's passing. My condolences to you and your family. I treasure memories of my many visits to your home and your encouagement. Now God's speed.

Jim Benedix Sr

January 31, 2007

To Brian and Family. It is a sad time but his memories will live on. The time we spent on the water board and just being a friend. I will have fond memories.

Craig Perron (GHS Class of 1962)_

January 29, 2007

To the Rines family: With sadness I learned of your Dad's passing this weekend. With his wry humor and steady Maine decency, he was a role model Dad to our generation that grew up in Gardiner in the Fifties and Sixties. Kind, thoughtful, he never had an ill word for any of us---even though we must have sorely tested his patience with our frequent raids on the basement freezer and other antics. For in that era---he seemed like father to all of us: George Glaser, Mike Hagerman, Hal Stevens, Harlan Brown, Joe Kilcoyne, Steve Hanley, John Corbett, and many others. For them and myself, I say thanks for the contribution to our youth, Mr. Rines. You will be much missed.

felicia Leibman

January 29, 2007

Dear neighbors, My deepest condolences to you all upon learning of Fred's death.It was always a treat to see him walking briskly up scenic route 32 with Governor. Our best wishes to you. Felicia Leibman and Family

Clyde & Betty MacMaster

January 28, 2007

Sincere condolences to the Rine's family for their loss. Knew Fred for many years, and a fine man and a great asset to Gardiner.
Clyde & Betty MacMaster

SKIP&JANE( COX) FULLER

January 28, 2007

TO BRIAN AND FAMILY, WE ARE SAD TO READ OF YOUR DAD'S PASSING, HE WAS SUCH A PART OF GARDINER HISTORY. PEOPLE IN HIS TOWN WILL REMEMBER HIM WITH RESPECT. ACCEPT OUR SYMPATHY.GOD BLESS

Mary Lou Werber Lawrence

January 27, 2007

The Rines Family:
As a member of Winter Street Baptist Church I have enjoyed seeing Mr. Rines at church, he was a pleasant, well dressed man. May God bless each one of you at this time. Mr. Rines was a devote Christian and father;he is in a better home now. My deepest condolences to your family.

Molly Alexander

January 27, 2007

Dr. Rines,

I was very sorry to read of your father's passing. May your wonderful memories of your father ease your sorrow.
With Sympathy,

Bob Westgate

January 27, 2007

Greetings Kay, I read the KJ every day on the internet. I am sorry to hear about Fred's passing. He and Dad were great friends. I think the last time I was at Winter Street Fred and I talked. I have many happy memories of him. My sincere sympathy to you, Brian and Kincaid.
With prayers, Bob Westgate

Howard Hester

January 27, 2007

So sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time. Howard Ring Hester for his grandmother, deceased, Mrs. Ella Mae Ring.

Claire and Ed Tisdale

January 27, 2007

Brian and Rudi, we were sorry to read in today's paper that you have lost your Dad. What a wonderful, cheerful gentleman he was! I always enjoyed seeing him each morning walking with his black dog when Ed and I were living in Gardiner. Please accept our sympathy and love. Claire and Ed

Al Stultz

January 27, 2007

I will always remember Fred as the way GARDINER should be.
Sincerely,

Alston Stultz

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