Edmund King Viner

Edmund King Viner, 96, of Willimantic, the loving patriarch of our family, passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of January 17, 2009. He was the second son of Harriet (Lord) and Harry K. Viner, born on October 2, 1912 in Cromwell, CT. He graduated from Windham High School in 1930. On June 12, 1932 he married the love of his life, Theresa Durand, and they enjoyed 75 happy years together before Theresa passed away in 2007. Ed and Tee, as they were affectionately known, had a large extended family, consisting of their four loving daughters and spouses, Jeanne Berry of Bradenton, FL, Miriam Magnuson of Willimantic, with whom he lived the past 2 years, Marge and Ed Mathieu of Columbia and Linda and Lennie Manning of Thompson. In addition, he leaves 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He was devoted to his family, feeling nothing was more important in life than close family bonds. Ed worked for CL&P for 30 years, retiring in 1974. A true renaissance man in everyday living, Ed could fix anything. He redid his entire home, room by room, having taught himself plumbing, electrical work, roofing, hardwood flooring and general home repairs. Ed was also a musician who played the piano, violin and harmonica and along with his love of music, was a fine ballroom dancer. In addition, he was an avid sportsman, a fixture at local sporting events, especially those involving his family. His favorite sport was tennis. A tennis player from his early youth, he delighted in playing almost daily with his wife, Tee, and enjoyed this sport, playing his last game when he was 94 years old, He was proud of having won 5 city tournaments, 2 as a single player, 2 in men's doubles and 1 as a mixed double. He credited his longevity in large part to his playing tennis. In addition to his daughters and grandchildren, he leaves a brother, Winthrop Viner of North Carolina. He was predeceased by his precious wife, Theresa, a brother, Wendell, 2 sons-in-law, William Berry and Ross Magnuson, as well as 2 grandsons, Edmund Berry, who was named for him, and Luke Manning. Ed had a long, fruitful and happy life and all of us who knew and loved him will miss him greatly. God speed, Dad! There will be a family viewing at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic on Tuesday at 9:45 prior to the procession to St. Peter's Church in Hebron for an 11:00 a.m. funeral. Burial will be in the spring in St. Peter's Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Eastern CT, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield Center, CT 06250 or St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 30 Church St., Hebron, CT 06248. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.