LEWISTON – A life celebrated in architecture and family. It is with a mix of sadness and celebration of a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Kenneth Barnard, 92, of Lewiston, on Dec. 27, 2023. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 18, 1931, Ken was the proud son of Charles Thomas Barnard and Petrovna (Hyatt) Barnard. He completed his high school education at South Hills High School, Pittsburgh, in 1949 and at Shady Side Academy in 1950. His academic journey continued at the University of Maine, School of Engineering, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1954. Upon graduation, Ken worked for a few years in Bangor, and then Buffalo, New York, before attending Harvard school of design where he received his master’s degree in architecture in 1960.

Ken’s early years were filled with fond memories, especially summers spent with his thirteen Hyatt cousins at the family compound on Androscoggin Lake in Wayne, Maine. One summer one of the neighbors to the Hyatt camp had a cousin who he introduced to Kenneth. A romance started and in 1960, Ken married Mary Lee Rogers, marking the beginning of a 63-year-long loving partnership.

Ken’s professional life was deeply rooted in Auburn, where he worked for 28 years in two architectural offices. His work took him across the state, designing a diverse range of structures, including municipal buildings, schools, library additions, businesses, private homes, and notable structures on the University of Maine’s flagship campus in Orono. He also dedicated time to serve on the Auburn Board of Appeals and was an active member of High Street Congregational Church, where he served on the Administration Finance Board. In 1989, Kenneth’s professional career came full circle as he took on the role of architect for his Alma Mater the University of Maine Orono, where he relished the challenges of being a problem solver for buildings and grounds. He thoroughly enjoyed his time back on the University campus.

Retirement in 1993 led Ken and Mary to Albuquerque, NM, where they spent 15 years exploring the region’s natural beauty, skiing, hiking, and fulfilling their dream of visiting all 48 contiguous states, and a trip to Alaska enabled them to check off 49 of the 50 United States. Hawaii was the only unvisited state.

In 2008, they returned to Maine, settling into a cottage at Granite Hill Estates Continuing Care Community in Augusta and joining South Parish Congregational Church, UCC, in Augusta. In 2020, Ken and Mary returned to their Lewiston/Auburn roots moving into Montello Heights which was much closer to their two daughters. Retirement also saw Ken discovering a passion for painting, with his artwork proudly displayed at Granite Hill Estates, Montello Heights, and in his children’s homes.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of love and achievement. He is survived by his wife Mary; children and spouses Karen and Andrew Choate of Lewiston, Charles/Chuck Barnard of Portland, and Amy and Butch Baxter of Lewiston; ten grandchildren; brother/sister-in-law George and Judy Rogers of Litchfield; and two nephews. His memory will be cherished in the hearts of those he touched with his creativity, dedication, and family devotion.

Memorial services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday February 3, at High Street Congregational Church 106 Pleasant Street Auburn.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of the National World War II Memorial at: http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.networkforgood.com/projects/48296-honoring-and-preserving-the-national-memory-of-world-war-ii

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