1934 – 2004

LEWISTON – Edwin C. Piirainen, 69, of Minot, went home to join his heavenly Father on Monday, March 1, at Central Maine Medical Center.

Born in South Paris, June 30, 1934, to Toivo and Toini Piirainen, he attended South Paris High School. He attained his GED and furthered his education at University of Maine in Auburn.

He served his country for four years in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a tail gunner on a B-29, receiving numerous medals. He was a sheet metal worker for 15 years. He remained sober 29 years through the AAA program and worked at Fellowship House for two years. He was an alcoholic counselor at St. Mary’s for eight years. For three years prior to retiring due to ill health, he opened a private counseling practice in Norway, helping many struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. He was very devoted to his wife of 30 years and loved spending time with his family.

He (Papa) will be greatly missed by his wife, Reta, his three sons and their wives, Edwin D. and Bethany, Troy and Anne and Steven; his four stepchildren and spouses, Susan and Norman Moore, Louise and Steve Anderson, Paul and Elva Harrison and Bonnie and Jeffrey Gould; 21 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack and Bob; seven sisters, Barbara Andrews, Sandra Cyr, Betty Taker, Katrina Merrill, Ilona Farrar, Anita Leland and Frederika Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his daughter, Pamela Piirainen; his grandson, Jacob Poynter; and two brothers, Ronnie and Eino.