MIDDLEBURY — Rodney Lloyd Morris, 71, of Middlebury passed away peacefully at his second home in Holiday, Fla., on 24 May, 2021. He was born Aug. 15, 1949, in West Stewartstown, N.H. Rodney also resided in Barre Vt., Castleton Vt., New York City, Afghanistan, and Middlebury over the years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert L. Morris and Madalyn V. (Hurst) Morris, and sister Donna Rae. He is survived by his daughter, Caitlin Cynthia, and two brothers, Robert L. (Pete) Morris of Burlington, Vt., and Brent Jay Morris of Breckenridge, Colo.

Rodney attended Castleton State College and Goddard College. His proudest moments centered around his days teaching high school students in Middlebury and Brandon. For several years, he and his classes would contribute time to Habitat for Humanity in West Virginia and South Dakota. To teach application of otherwise dry subjects, he taught his students printing, photography, carpentry, boat construction, etc. In later years Rodney established his own school for instructing student drivers, Arrive Alive.

He loved playing chess and poker with his friends, puttering on foreign cars, plus attending UVM and Middlebury College hockey games. Rodney was a wonderful father for his daughter, Caitlin.

A graveside service will be conducted at the Middlebury cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m., for the family. A celebration of life gathering is scheduled at 2 p.m. at Mr. Ups Restaurant for all of his friends. Bring along your favorite Rodney story. Casual attire is fine. You are invited to plant flowers or a tree in his memory, or a donation to your favorite charity, if you like.

Rodney’s humor and generosity will be sorely missed by friends and family.◊