Birth date: Apr 28, 1932 Death date: Jan 11, 2023
Maurice Raymond Rancourt passed on January 11, 2023, in Gainesville, FL. Known by all as “Moe”, he was born April 28, 1932, in Meriden, Connecticut, where he attended St. Laurents Catholic Schools and was the third child of Filien Read Obituary
The legacy of any person is the positive impact or impression they have made on another person’s life. Moe left a positive impression on me and I would like to share that with the family.
I first met Moe in 1978 while in high school. Being friends with Mary and Amy, I would be at their house on occasions just hanging out. Late 1978 and into 1979, Moe “volunteered” his services and pickup truck and drive a group of us around various parts of town collecting newspapers as part of a service project we signed up for. Moe showed his personality to us on several occasions teasing us to run faster, get the papers and keep up with him while he drove the truck. It was “his” truck so we were on “his” time. Come on boys – let’s go! I don’t have all day he would joke.
Though he was having fun with us, he was subtly teaching. Give what you commit to 100%. No need to drag your feet. Get it done.
As time went on, I learned more about Moe. He gave up his over-the-road trucking career and the money it brought in at that time, opting to work locally in Largo and commit himself and his energies to his new family. Teddy and the girls meant the world to him and there is nothing he would do to jeopardize that. He spoke about this commitment but did not preach it. It was through his unspoken actions that it was apparent to me. He worked for his family so he could provide for them. He knew that his presence outweighed any extra money he might have sacrificed. I could tell by the way he acted as a stepfather to Mary and Amy, that he was a good role model.
After high school, we all went our separate ways and lost touch. There was one business trip I was on and I found myself back in Gainesville and arranged to meet up again with Mary, Amy, Teddy and Moe at a local restaurant for dinner. It had probably been 30 years since I had seen him and Teddy. I was hopeful they would remember me. When I walked in to the restaurant, I could see in they did and I got the biggest hugs and firmest handshake from Moe as he asked how I had been.
Over the next couple of hours, we ate and talked and reminisced. It was fun reliving memories all of us had independently forgotten. It was a fun night and we left saying let’s not make it so long next time between visits. Sad to say, that was the last time I saw Teddy and Moe.
While we were not a significant part of each other’s lives, my ability to recall Moe’s underlying presence of being a man’s man and commitment to work, family, his faith and his word as a gentleman remains with me today.
I can only imagine that if he made such an impact on me as a teenage boy 40 years ago, just how much him being a part of the Thomson family has made a positive impact on them. I know he will be missed but also believe he is in peace being reunited with Teddy in heaven.
Rest in Peace Mr. Moe. My family and I will always remember you and your wife being at the NorthStars softball game with all the rest of family and friends cheering on the team. Job well done, rest easy kind sir. To Mary and the rest of the family we are sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
I spent many a morning with this man and I came to know and love him. I met Moe and Teddy shortly after taking over The Mill.
I grieved with him when Teddy passed, took shelter with him during Hurricane Irma, grieved again when Kristen passed and again when Scotty passed. We shared much loss in his life in the last 8 years.
So many good memories too. Moe's crazy antics as a young man, oh the stories he could tell. He lived a long, good life and he was truly blessed to have Teddy and Mary in his life.
I always believed we should tell those that matter the most and how much we love and respect them and everything that they mean to us before they pass. I'm grateful for knowing this man and having Moe as my friend.
Rest in peace, you will be missed.
My Grandfather was the most caring most dedicated man and the best man I've ever had in my life he has taught me so much. He taught me to always be hard working. I'm just heart broken but very blessed he's been in my life my whole life . But I can rest easy knowing he's reunited with love of his life my grandmother Teddy. Ri GPaw I will forever love u
The best man in the world. Being our neighbor in Connecticut-was so much fun. He loved his girls so much and would do anything for them. Moe was our neighbor ,but the best thing he was our great friend.
