H. KENDALL WARNER

ORONO – H. Kendall Warner, 78, passed away peacefully Sept. 29, 2006, surrounded by his family after a very brief illness. He was born Oct. 2, 1927, in Westfield, Mass., son of F. Harrison and Minerva (Kendall) Warner. Ken received his early education in Freeport and later was tutored while the family traveled with General Motors’ Parade of Progress across the United States. He graduated third in his class from Freeport High School in 1945. After attending Bowdoin College for one year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry Division. Ken continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Science in wildlife management with high distinction from the University of Maine in 1950. He earned his Master of Science in fishery biology from Cornell University in 1952. Ken began his distinguished 50-year career as a fisheries research biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 1948, serving in Ashland and Bangor. He was regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on landlocked salmon biology and management. Ken was the principal author and co-author of 27 scientific papers published in several professional journals, as well as multitudes of articles printed in Maine Fish and Wildlife magazine. Ken summarized much of what he learned about landlocked salmon in three books which he co-authored. He was a member of the American Fisheries Society and held several positions including president. He was also a member of The American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists, becoming a fellow. Ken’s professional recognitions are vast. He was the recipient of the American Fisheries Society Professional Award of Merit, Presidential Award and Special Recognition Award for 50 years of service as a fishery biologist. He was the recipient of the Sunkhaze Chapter of Trout Unlimited Silver Trout Award and Biologist of the Year Award. He also received the Thomas S. Pinkham Award presented by Atlantic Salmon Restoration for Northern Maine. Ken has had a profound, enduring impact on decades of fishery research in Maine. His extraordinary ability to recall observations made long ago, his skills as a naturalist and his sharp wit made him one of the most notable and well-respected fisheries biologists in the northeast. Ken continued his career as a fisheries volunteer until the present. Some of his work included co-authoring a third edition book on landlocked salmon in Maine, as well as research involving non-native fish introductions. In addition, he had nearly completed a book recounting his life experiences in Maine. Ken was a member of the Church of Universal Fellowship, Orono, where he held several positions including deacon and trustee. Ken was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying bird, deer and moose hunting in the northern woods of Maine. Of course, he enjoyed all aspects of fishing throughout the seasons. Most of all, and closest to his heart, was time spent with family at their fourth-generation cottage on Sebago Lake. Ken will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, sharp memory, calm, kind, honorable and gentle nature, which will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Ken excelled at many roles in his life, and those who knew him will always feel blessed. Ken was predeceased by his parents; and younger brother, William C. Warner of Bangor. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sandra (Noyes) Warner of Orono; his sister, Ruth (Warner) Gruninger of South Freeport; his daughters, Kendra (Warner) Raymond and husband, Brian, of Hermon and Leanne (Warner) Parks and husband, Brhaun, of Orrington; his five grandchildren, Kent Andrew, Neily Kate, Nolan Patrick Raymond, Landen Eiley and Brock Kendall Parks. A sixth grandchild is due in the next several weeks. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara Warner; nephew and nieces, Dianna Emory, Lois Kilby-Chesley, Peter Warner and Anne (Warner) Foster; as well as several great-nephews and great-nieces. Friends and family are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at the Church of Universal Fellowship Gathering Room, Orono. A memorial celebration will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Church of Universal Fellowship, with the Rev. Lorna Stuart officiating. A reception will be held after the service. At Ken’s request, for his grandchildren’s further education, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Edward Jones Investments, FBO, the Kendall Warner Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 348, Orono, ME 04473.