1929 – 2013

FARMINGTON — Arthur C. Kane, “Artie” or “Mr. Kane,” 83, of Wilton, died Monday morning, Sept. 23, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Bar Harbor on Nov. 24, 1929, one of nine children to Lyman and Marjorie (Huston) Kane. He was a graduate of Bar Harbor High School, where he was a two-year Maine All-State baseball star. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

While earning his bachelor degree from Farmington State Teachers College, he was captain of the basketball team. He later earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Orono. He also played semi-pro baseball for the Maine touring team after college.

Arthur was devoted to his profession, and for well over 40 years served higher education in the capacity of teacher, coach and administrator. His strong work ethic extended into his summer career, working for the Kemble and Ibarguen families at the Western Auto in Farmington. Remarkably, he only ever opted for one week of vacation per year throughout his career.

He was a person of deep faith, having served for many years as the head lector at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wilton. He was a “Fighting Irish” Notre Dame football fan, a member of Red Sox Nation and took great pride in watching his children play sports. He valued precious time with his family and the quiet time that one gets by paddling a canoe or wetting a line.

“Mr. Kane,” as many of his students affectionately called him years after their student/teacher rapport, will be remembered as a gracious and kind gentleman. He touched the lives of many students and community members.

He is loved by his wife of 58 years, Sheila Willis Kane, of Wilton, whom he married on Nov. 29, 1954, in Long Island, N.Y.; three sons, Michael J. Kane and his companion, Mechele Brown, of Wilton, Gavin P. Kane and his wife, Carole, of Wilton and their children, Connor, Caitlin and Chelsea, and Timothy Kane and his wife, Amanda, of Lee and their children, Sean, Leah and Zachary; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his folks; and his siblings, Rose, Lyman, Marge, William, Josephine, Rose, Mary and Florence.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.