Maurice Robert Rathbun

Maurice Robert Rathbun of Westford, VT, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at home surrounded by his family. Maurice was born on December 2, 1938 in Bristol, VT, the son of Henry and Gladys (Rublee) Rathbun. He was the fourth of five children.

After graduating from Bristol High School in 1956, Maurice joined the Marines, serving in Okinawa and the Philippines. He then volunteered to go with the Marines down the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway. Maurice returned to Vermont in 1960 and worked at Palmer's Dairy where he met his beloved wife, Janice. They lived in Shrewsbury, MA before moving to Brattleboro, VT. He was an avid learner and held many certificates in Wastewater and Water Operations. He graduated in 1975 from the New England Wastewater Institution program at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. Maurice had a variety of jobs including Chief Operator of Wastewater Treatment in Burlington and St. Albans. He worked as the Zoning Administrator in Westford, Fairfax, and Fletcher. After working 20 years in Fletcher, he retired in 2023.

Maurice loved spending time with his family, especially his well-loved grandchildren. You could find him on Friday nights watching The Andy Griffith Show while eating brownies and ice cream with his grandsons. He enjoyed maple sugaring, beekeeping, gardening, completing puzzles, and woodworking. Maurice and his wife Janice loved traveling and going on cruises. Maurice was part of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, serving in Nicaragua, Mississippi, Brazil, and North Carolina. He volunteered at Covenant Hills Christian Camp as well as served on committees at church. He was also a Boy Scout leader in South Burlington. He was willing to help those in need.

Maurice leaves behind his daughter, Robin (and Timothy) Witt of Fairfax, VT; his son, Wayne (and Mindy) Rathbun of Gorham, ME; his brother, Allen (and Helen) of Bristol, VT; his sister-in-law, Nancie (and Blair) Austin-Bradley of Berlin, VT, and his grandchildren, Josiah Witt, Malachi Witt, Anna (and Jacob) Tardiff, Molly Rathbun, and Sarah Rathbun; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Maurice is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Gladys (Rublee) Rathbun; his wife, Janice (Austin) Rathbun, his brother, Edson Rathbun, and his sisters, Doris Rotax and Laura Rathbun.

In memory of the life of Maurice R. Rathbun, please generously help someone in need, demonstrating love in action.

The Celebration of Life service will be October 4, 2025 at 11:00am at the Waterville Union Church, 37 Church Street in Waterville, VT.