Morgan Keer Coutant III

PINE PLAINS — Morgan Keer Coutant III, 85, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2013. Morgan was born on Oct. 28, 1927. He and his descendants were native to New Paltz, N.Y., and were associated with the farming community west of the Wallkill River. Morgan was raised by his two aunts, Estelle (Coutant) DePuy and Mary (Coutant) Smith. In 1944, Morgan “Curly” met the love of his life at Ed’s College Inn, at the corner of Main Street and Oakwood Terrace. Helen E. DeSole, a pretty co-ed who was attending New Paltz State Teacher’s College, danced her way into his heart. They were married on July 10, 1949, after Morgan returned home from serving in the U.S. Navy. They settled in New Paltz and raised their family. Morgan worked for IBM and was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club. He retired in 1978 and they moved to Rhinebeck in 1983. Helen predeceased Morgan in 1987.He moved to Pine Plains in 1993, where he was a member of the Lions Club and served as a trustee of the Methodist Church.When faced with challenging medical needs, Morgan resided at the Thompson House in Rhinebeck, where he made many friends and was known as the “Bird Man” because he loved to feed the birds in the courtyard every day and enjoy the sunshine, flower gardens and water fountains.Morgan will be remembered for his smiling eyes and his incredible ability to overcome adversity. In his younger years he was the ultimate handyman and could build, fix, refurbish, create and cultivate. He was an avid bowler (aka “Lefty”) and skier. He loved nothing more than to share his love for outdoor activities with his friends and family.Morgan is survived by his loving and dedicated daughters and son-in-law, Mary Beth (Coutant) Thompson and Jeanine (Coutant) Sisco, and her husband, Keith; and his four adoring grandchildren, Zackary Q. Thompson and Brittany M., Lukas J. and Alec F. Sisco.He was predeceased by his parents, Lorraine (Miller) Coutant and Morgan K. Coutant Jr. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, especially remembering the gusto with which he approached every holiday or family celebration.Morgan’s work ethic, stamina, positive attitude and passion for living have been a gift to all who knew him.A memorial celebration of Morgan’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in Morgan’s honor may be made to the Pine Plains Rescue Squad, PO Box 100, Pine Plains, NY 12567. The Peck and Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains has charge of arrangements. To send the family online condolences, go to www.peckandpeck.net.