AUBURN — Kenneth V. Rancourt, 77, died Sept. 13, at the Hospice House.

He was born June 3, 1935, in Waterville, the son of Wardell and Leontine (Poulin) Rancourt.

After attending seminary in Natick, Mass., he was ordained an Oblate of Mary Immaculate Priest. He spent more than 15 years delivering his own special blend of ministry, serving as guest preacher and retreat director to many different parishes around New England.

In 1971, he accepted a position as Catholic Chaplain at Bates College in Lewiston. He not only ministered to the students and staff, but also developed a “parish” community with his unique style of celebrating weekend liturgies. Father Kenn’s music and messages were shared by many in Lewiston-Auburn.

In 1974, he decided to retire from active priesthood and became activities director at Clover Manor in Auburn, where he remained until he joined the pastoral team at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1978.

During his 34 years at St. Mary’s, he ministered to thousands of people. His belief was that “healing is a concrete form of love” and he helped people to find inner balance and harmony by sharing his love and spirituality with anyone in need.

His music groups were an integral part of the healing and recovery process. His use of patients’ poems as song lyrics helped to make his groups so successful and well attended. From counseling individuals, presenting workshops, leading groups, and writing reflections, his mission to help “people heal from within” has spread far and wide.

He married Jocelyne Villiard of Woonsocket, R.I., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland in 1975. They raised two children, Eric and Nicole, in Auburn.

His children were surrounded with music, laughter and most of all, love. He took pride in his kids’ accomplishments and was a constant source of encouragement and support for them both.

Kenn was an avid Red Sox fan and loved watching them play. He spent many happy days golfing with his friends, watching sports, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Jocelyne; son, Eric Rancourt and fiancée, Elissa Viscarelli, and his two grandchildren, Emily and Sophia Rancourt of Auburn; daughter, Nicole Rancourt of Minot; mother-in-law, Madeleine Villiard of Woonsocket, R.I.; sister, Dianne and her husband, Gerald Cates, of Waterville; sister, Celeste Turner of Chelsea; brother, Peter and his wife, Kristen Rancourt, of Hermon; sister-in-Law, Sheila Bonenfant of Oakland; two maternal aunts, Lucille Dostie and Simone Dumont, both of Augusta; many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-niece,; great- nephews, many “adopted” sons, daughters and grandchildren; and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Nancy A. St. Laurent; his brothers, Alton P. and Daniel M. Rancourt; and brothers-in-law, Donald Bonefant and William Turner.

His legacy carries on through us all.

You may share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Rancourt family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.