SOUTH PARIS – Konsto August Cummings died Saturday, May 2, at his home on King Hill Road, South Paris.

The son of T. August (Komulainen) and E. Kustaava Mikkonen Cummings, he survived a bout of the Spanish flu in 1918, which took a brother and sister, to live another 91 years in the same home in which he was born.

In 1943, he married Lillian Haverinen and they were married for 60 years and had seven children. They were both members of Trinity Lutheran Church in South Paris.

A dairy farmer, he also used his land to raise a number of cash crops, including blueberries. His greatest love, however, was in maintaining his tree growth. His forest practices earned the respect of even highly experienced foresters. Retirement from farming allowed him more time to spend in the woods, which he did until his physical health began to deteriorate.

Although his formal education was limited to eight years at the King School, he was well read. He read and wrote in both Finnish and English and particularly enjoyed history. He had an amazing memory for details and could often recall small events as well as the weather, dates and times surrounding those events.

He took great pleasure in attending his grandsons’ baseball games. He and Lillian were devoted fans and never needed persuading on a summer evening to toss their lawn chairs into the back of the car and head off to a game.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca Cummings, Peter Cummings and his wife, Kathleen, Stephen Cummings and his wife, Lori, all of South Paris, Timothy Cummings of Wilton, Christina Ward and her husband, Allan, of North Monmouth, Joel Cummings and his wife, Lisa, of Bow, N.H., and Sarah Cummings-Ridge and her husband, Tom, of Gray; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Eva Heikkinen of South Paris; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Ida and Tina; and three brothers, Emil, Kalle and Eric. His wife, Lillian passed away in 2003.

Had it not been for April Barker, he would not have been able to achieve his wish – to spend his final years in his home. The family is exceedingly grateful for the high quality of care and attention she provided.