TOGUS — Ellis “Doc” Pratt McKeen of West Gardiner, died peacefully on March 19, at the VA Medical Center with his wife, Mary and other loved ones by his side.

Ellis was born July 24, 1940, in South Portland, the youngest son of Bernice (Pratt) and Linwood James McKeen. He spent most of his young life in Oxford County and had the distinction of being the youngest-ever graduate of Buckfield High School. He joined the Navy at an early age and traveled the world as a member of the Admiral’s staff.

His land-based assignments included serving with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., and he completed his career at the ROTC program at Holy Cross. After 20 years, Ellis retired in 1976 as a senior chief petty officer. He went on to earn his bachelor degree in business management and accounting from the University of Maine at Augusta in 1980 and then served as manager of the Augusta regional office of the Department of Human Services, before being forced into retirement by his chronic heart disease in 1996.

Ellis had an active interest in the community and people in general. Three years ago, he was dubbed “All Seasons Santa” for his work in pairing unclaimed state dollars with their rightful owners. He helped hundreds of individuals and organizations with this effort and was so pleased when DownEast magazine wrote about him.

He was always generous with his time and talents and he loved to anonymously help those in need. Ellis was twice master of the Whitney Masonic Lodge in Canton and would have received his 40-year pin this year. Ellis was an active member of the Kennebec Democratic Committee and the Augusta Unitarian Universalist Church.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of more than 26 years, Mary Singer McKeen; his sons, Richard of Charlton, Mass., Brad and his fiancee, Mary Hubbard and Michael of Canton; his grandsons, Dana, Levi, Richard and Tyler; his brother, John and his wife, Jane, of Scarborough and Florida; his sisters-in-law, Linda Farnham and her husband, Lloyd, of Concord, N.H., and Suanne Singer and her husband, Thomas Cieslinski, of Farmingdale; many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and all the special people he met in West Gardiner; Howard and Edith Stevens of Canton along with their extended family held a very special place in his heart.

Ellis was predeceased by his parents; his brother, James; his sister, Joan McKeen Jasper; and his much-loved son, Blaine.

The healthcare and compassion Ellis received for more than 25 years, particularly through the VA, was exceptional. The family would like to particularly thank Dr. Tim Richardson and Wendy Ross FNP, of Togus, Dr. John C. Love of Scarborough and literally dozens of dedicated, caring professionals who helped Ellis along the way.

His spirit and sense of humor never flagged and his outlook on life was an inspiration to so many. Everyone who knew Ellis loved his stories and has an Ellis story of their own.

An online guest book may be signed and memories shared at www.directcremationofmaine.com.