BELFAST – Frederick Ervin Keene, 81, “Uncle Ted” departed this life Thursday morning, Feb. 8, 2007. He was born Nov. 25, 1925, in Ashland, to Ervin Grover and Beatrice Pauline (Adams) Keene. Uncle grew up in Aroostook County, attended Ashland schools and enjoyed grounds work and gardening. He was well known and loved in the neighborhood, where he had nicknames for everyone. In the early ’60s, he relocated to Belfast with his parents and assisted his Dad in building a home on Swan Lake Avenue. Despite some adversity, Uncle was a very capable and industrious fellow. He kept the grounds of his home manicured and weedless. Many nights the light of his basement workshop was bright late into the evening. Uncle never called a repairman; he was known as “Mr. Fix-It” himself. He worked with his brother in the poultry industry and delivering grain throughout Waldo County in the ’60s and ’70s. His favorite pastime was telling good old Aroostook County stories and keenly remembering all of his neighbors and acquaintances. He played baseball as a young man and followed the Boston Red Sox diligently. Of late, a particular passion was watching Gaither Gospel music videos. We never heard him sing aloud, we never saw him clap his hand(s) … but oh, could he tap those musical toes. Your full healing has come, Uncle Ted; you are now clapping precious new hands in the presence of the almighty. “Oh, clap your hands all ye people, shout unto GOD with the voice of triumph.” Psalm 47:1. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Donald; and a sister, Laura, both of whom died at early childhood ages. His lone surviving and loving brother is Lowell Everett Keene of Belfast. Uncle is doubly blessed to be survived by two nephews, Dana and his wife, Cindee Keene, and David and his wife, Gail Keene; as well as five nieces, Dawn Berry, Nancy and her husband, Harold Seekins, Deborah Keene, Marie Keene and Mary Lou and Randy Hutchins. A circle of great-nephews and a great-niece also mourn the loss of their uncle, Cory and his wife and child, Heidi and Reagan Seekins, Daniel Keene and his fianc?e, Courtney Bouchard, Jacob and his wife and children, Trish, Wesley and Samuel Hutchins, Brooke Keene Hutchins and Evan Hutchins. Uncle’s presence will be sorely missed by his friendly neighbors, Doris Holmes, Mary Mullen and Carrie Ward. Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. A service will be held 6:30 p.m. after the visiting, with the Rev. J. Clif Gall officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to join the great commission by spreading the gospel, Mark 16:15, through donations to World Missions, Advent Christian Church, Exchange Street, Ashland, ME 04732.
FREDERICK ERVIN KEENE
