FORT KENT – Garfield C. King, 77, died unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2006 at his log home in Eagle Lake. He was born in Caribou, the son of Forrest and Susan (Paul) King. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and his master of education degree and certificate of advanced study from the University of Maine at Orono. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950-1953, receiving the Purple Heart on combat duty during the Korean War. During his military service, he also received the Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He maintained life-long ties with his fellow brothers in arms, The Dog Seven Association. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had a strong commitment to young people during his career as a teacher, principal and superintendent of schools. An advocate for his profession, he was an active member of the Maine Teachers’ Association, National Educators’ Association, Aroostook County and Maine State Superintendents’ Association and the Aroostook Retired Educators’ Association. One of his proudest accomplishments was his instrumental role in the establishment of the Saint John Valley Regional Technology Center. He had a passion for working outdoors, cultivating beautiful gardens which he loved to share with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Venette (Plourde) King of Fort Kent; three sons, Clay and his wife, Rhonda, of Reno, Nev., Craig King of Topsham and Chad King of Fort Kent; five grandchildren, Hailey, Molly and Christian King, Terez Fraser and Amy McLeod; two great-grandsons, Gavin and Richard McLeod III; one brother, Durwood and his wife, Mary King, of Hemingway, S.C.; a special sister-in-law, Burnette Bowker of Fort Kent; many nieces and nephews. In addition to both parents, he was predeceased by an infant sister, Bonny. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday, at the Daigle & Nadeau Funeral Home in Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Fort Kent, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Valere and Lucy Plourde Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 374, Fort Kent, ME 04743. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
GARFIELD C. KING
