04/30/2026
Tom helped to found our Rotary Club. A great man.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CVuu8xcQh/
HONORING TOM RAINVILLE
The late Rotarian Tom Rainville was a powerful force for good as member and President of the Rotary Club of Everett, and as Governor of Rotary District 5050. At our April 28 meeting Past President Bob Bavasi read the following:
Thomas H. Rainville (1930–2026)
Thomas H. Rainville's life spanned nearly a century, marked by resilience, professional achievement, and community dedication.
Born at home on October 27, 1930, in the small town of Deer Lodge, Montana, Tom grew up amid the rugged landscapes of the American West. He was the youngest of five siblings and his early years were shaped by hard work and family, attending St. Mary's Academy and Powell County High School. After high school, he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad, a common entry into the workforce for young Montanans of his era, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Serving during the Korean War, he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, an experience that instilled discipline and leadership qualities that would help define his future.
Post-military, Tom attended the University of Montana, majoring in Accounting. He then entered the financial world, starting his own accounting practice in Deer Lodge. He later transitioned to banking, joining the Deer Lodge Bank and Trust Company. His career gained momentum with a move to the First National Bank of Great Falls, Montana, and then in the mid-1960s, to Everett.
He began as the financial director at the Bank of Everett. His expertise and vision soon propelled him to chief executive officer, overseeing the bank's growth during a period of economic expansion in the region. When the Bank of Everett merged with Rainier National Bank, Tom adapted seamlessly, serving as Senior Vice President and contributing to broader regional banking strategies.
Tom’s entrepreneurial drive led him to later leave Rainier and found the successful American First National Bank in Everett. Beyond his direct banking roles, he represented Washington State at the Independent Bankers Association of America, advocating for independent banks nationwide. He was also a founding director of the Washington School of Bankers, an educational initiative for the next generation of banking professionals. His career was emblematic of the evolution of American banking from post-war stability to the competitive landscapes of the late 20th century.
On a personal front, Tom's life was enriched by family through two marriages. His first marriage was to Margaret Steinberger in 1954. He adopted her three daughters and together they welcomed two more children. This family provided a stable foundation amid his demanding career. Tragically, his wife Margaret passed away in 1985.
Following this loss, Tom later reconnected with a high school friend, Mary Davis Watson. Tom and Davis were married in Mukilteo and settled there, where they built a life of shared interests, including extensive travel for Rotary International to support humanitarian causes.
Tom's civic engagement was perhaps his most enduring contribution. Rotary International became a cornerstone of his life upon joining the Rotary Club of Everett. He served as Club President, leading initiatives that boosted membership and fundraising, notably vastly increasing the number of Paul Harris Fellows in the club. In 1987, he was elected District Governor for our Rotary District 5050, overseeing clubs across the U.S.-Canada border and representing the district at the International Council on Legislation. His service earned him the Citation for Meritorious Service in 1994, recognizing his exceptional contributions to Rotary's global mission of peace and humanitarian aid.
His board service extended to healthcare and insurance sectors, including the General Hospital Foundation, Providence Hospital, Snohomish County Physicians, King County Medical, Regence, Puget Sound Kidney Center, Cascade Bank, and Washington Physician Service. These roles influenced healthcare access and policy in the region.
In the nonprofit arena, Tom supported youth development through the Boy Scouts, Big Brothers, and Junior Achievement; disaster relief via the Red Cross; and community wellness with the YMCA and American Cancer Society.
Even in later years, Tom remained active, and our club honored him in 2024 for his past leadership. Tom was 95 years old at the time of his peaceful passing on March 3, 2026.
Tom's story is one of quiet determination—from Montana's small-town origins to executive suites and international service. He embodied the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," leaving a legacy of strengthened communities and inspired individuals.
