SANDY RIVER – Ken, 71, of Farmington, went home to be with the Lord on May 23, at Sandy River Center for Health Care with his wife, Carol, children, grandchildren and sister-in-law by his side.

Ken, to his family, was a “special man.” He was a devoted husband, dad and Papa. He filled many positions as provider for his family. He was a barber for 10 years, being employed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor. He also owned a barber shop in Hampden. He was employed by Maine Central Railroad and Evans Shoe Factory. While living in Hampden, Ken became a licensed private pilot and owned a Piper Cub. He and his family moved to New Vineyard in 1973. Ken worked at Foster Manufacturing in Strong for 22 years. In 1999, Ken and Carol sold their home in New Vineyard and moved to his parent’s home in Farmington.

Ken worked for WalMart as night security for 13 years, retiring only this past March due to illness. While there, Ken made many special friends. Ken was a lover of music and had a special talent for guitar, especially electric and steel guitar. He enjoyed the music of Chet Atkins, George Strait, Vince Gill and Gene Watson. He truly loved playing music with his family band “The Fugitives.”

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carol, of 48 years; three children, Tim and his wife, Sue, of New Vineyard, Deb and her husband, Craig, of Farmington and Jeff and his wife, Donna, of Farmington; 13 grandchildren, TJ, Luke, Tasha, Heather, April and Kelsey, Jon, Cassie, Joey, Jordan and Jennifer, Jeffrey and Keith; four great-grandchildren, Aidan, Paden, MacKenzi and Natalie; and a special sister-in-law, Kay Tracy of Ellsworth.

He was predeceased by his father, Ken Sr., in 1973; and by his mother, Kathleen (Backus) in 1997.

The family will always remember his nurse practitioner, Noreen Comeau, for always being there.