Salisbury, VT

Our dad Maurice Pomainville left this world on August 2, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1939 to Canadian immigrants Alberta (Larocque) and Eugene Pominville. He was the loving brother of Richard Pominville, Yvette Cook, Frances Lebeau, Susan Pominville, and Marie Pomainville.

Dad grew up on a dairy farm in Salisbury where his love of animals began. We had many animals growing up from cats and dogs to horses and even an abandoned piebald deer that Dad rescued. The deer followed him everywhere. He was heartbroken when the young buck failed to return after a time, but Dad understood nature had likely taken its course. While he adored all of his many pets over the years none ever lived up to his beloved dog Shorty, until many years later Abbey won his heart.

He carried on the family dairy farm for many years before a structure fire destroyed the barn in the 1970s. Dad took this tragedy as an opportunity to start down another career path. For the next 35 years he was a builder and master carpenter, teaching his craft to many family members and employees. Much of his work dots the landscape of Addison County.

Dad was a man who wore many hats, both figuratively and literally. His artistic nature was always prevalent whether it was in his painting, carving, carpentry, furniture making, interior design, beekeeping, landscaping, or cooking. He did it all with exceptional precision. No detail was overlooked.

When you entered his home his love of antiques was immediately evident. He collected from everywhere: auctions, yard sales or digging in old foundations and unearthing old bottles. He was always on the hunt for his next treasure.

Maurice had a love for the finer things in life. He appreciated a good meal. He rarely passed up an opportunity to dine out or join us for a family dinner. He had a nice car, expensive clothes, and jewelry. If he was going to buy something it had to be top quality and style. There was never a man that loved to shop more than our Dad.

Dad always took great pride in his gardening. From early spring to late fall he was outside tending his gardens and lawn. He was always willing to share his knowledge. People were in awe of his 10-foot tomato plants. A recent message sent to Dad from his landlord, who'd become a dear friend, really says it all: “You made this place so wonderful, beautiful even. I will make sure it remains a homage to you, your skills and abilities to transform an eyesore into golf course level beauty.”

Anyone who spent time with Dad would most likely become his friend. It could be a neighbor, a landlord, an employee or a caregiver. If you made an impression he would likely bestow a nickname on you that he would use to address you forevermore. He had a personality people were just drawn to. He had a great sense of humor. He loved a good prank. He was always willing to share the vast knowledge he had acquired over the years. He had a generous heart and a soft soul. He was steadfast and old school.

He was fiercely proud of his Canadian heritage. Dad was always happy to make the meat pie for family gatherings.

He will forever be missed by all of us — his children Deborah Hillman and Robert Hillman of Salisbury, Vermont, Delise (Lars) Robarts of Burke, Vermont, Steven (Paul) Pomainville of Deerfield, New Hampshire, and Dori Rooney of Chelsea, Vermont; his six grandchildren Jordan Hillman and Emily Hillman, James Pomainville, and Kealin and Maddy and Crosby Rooney; and his three great grandchildren Tatum, Connor and Clara. As well as his sisters, Susan and Marie.

Maurice Pomainville was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Frances, Yvette, Richard, Patricia, and Charles, as well as by his son in-law Terrence Rooney.

If anyone lived life to the fullest it was our Dad.

There will be a private gathering, in celebration of dad with close family and friends at a later date.

Donations in his name can be to Homeward Bound Addison County Humane Society, Addison County Home Health or The Dorset Equine Rescue.