In Memory

Henry Morrill - Class Of 1935

ORONO and BREWER Henry Burnett Morrill, 90, died peacefully Nov. 13, 2008, at home. He was born April 22, 1918, in Bangor, son of Annie (Burnett) and Henry J. Morrill. Henry was raised, worked and lived all but his final few years in Brewer. He was a graduate of Brewer High School and Maine School of Commerce. A devout Catholic, he was active in the parishes of St. Teresa's and St. Joseph's, Brewer. In 1935, prior to World War II, he joined the Maine National Guard. He was activated in 1941 and sent to officer candidate school, where he was commissioned second lieutenant in the 1st Amphibious Brigade. He served in the European Theater, landing in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. After the war he remained in the National Guard until 1978, retiring with the rank of major. Henry met the love of his life, Helen Beck, an Army nurse, during the war. Married in 1947, they lived, raised a family and worked together in Brewer. Henry was a well-known businessman. He assisted his brothers in operating Cap Morrill's, went on to successfully start Morrill's Super Service and later Morrill's Trailer Sales. The "Kamper King" was instrumental in introducing the area to the recreational lifestyle. Henry loved his family, a good joke and a sale. With Helen he shared traveling, camping and a daily cribbage game. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed his laptop, music and reading. He was a tireless worker, who always had a soft spot for the less fortunate and will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched. Henry was deeply appreciative of the kindness shown at the Maine Veterans' Home and by Gentiva Home Health. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Helen; and two brothers, Carleton and Richard Morrill. He is survived by brother, James Morrill of Brewer; daughter, Jane Thomas and husband, Scott, of Orono; sons, Dale Morrill and wife, Gail, of Abingdon, Va., David Morrill and wife, Deb, of Orrington and the Rev. Bruce Morrill, S.J., of Cambridge, Mass.; three grandchildren, Matthew Morrill of Orono, Bethany Morrill of Alexandria, Va., and Janice Morrill of San Salvador, El Salvador; sisters-in-law, Stella Morrill and Cecile Morrill, both of Brewer; a nephew and four nieces; and a very special great-grandson, Nicholas Henry Morrill of Orono, who loved his "Bumpa." Friends may visit 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at St. John's Catholic Church, York Street, Bangor. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.