BUCKSPORT – Kenneth E. Smith, 52, died unexpectedly Jan. 6, 2005. He was born June 9, 1952, in Castine, the son of Junior L. and Katherine B. (Secuisky) Smith. Ken was a lifelong resident of Bucksport. He attended local schools and graduated from Bucksport High School. He was employed at International Paper Co. for many years. He was a warm, friendly, caring person who could smile in the worst of times. He loved gardening and traveling and was a talented wood carver. He loved his family and spent many hours creating projects for them. Ken’s greatest pride were his children and grandchildren. He was never happier then when he was with them, going to their games, dance recitals, birthday celebrations, father-daughter dances, teaching Melissa to drive the tractor, talking with “the Goon” on the phone and just spending time with them. He was a warm caring influence on all of us and we will be very lost without his love and guidance. We feel fortunate to have been blessed with his presence for the time we were allowed. Ken’s famous quotes: “If the baby wants it, the baby gets it” and “if you snooze, you lose”. Ken is survived by his spouse and best friend, Sally Howard of Bucksport; his father, Junior L. Smith of Bucksport; two brothers, Michael and Patricia Smith of Florida, and Jeffery Smith of Bucksport; six children, Joshua and Christine Smith of Oregon, Katherine Smith of Bucksport, Robert and Linda Howard of Massachusetts, Dana Howard of Portland, Christopher and Wendy Howard of Georgia; six grandchildren, Ashley, Melissa, Kelsey, Lisa, Devin and Dylan Howard; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; extended family, Mary Robshaw of Orland, and Ruby Howard of Cape Rosier. Ken was predeceased by his mother, Katherine in 1966; his stepmother, Virginia, in 1976. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, at the Elm Street Congregational Church, Bucksport, with the Rev. Linda Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until time of service. A gathering of conversation and refreshments will follow at the church in Brown Hall. Donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the Maine Coast Memorial Building Fund, 125 High Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Arrangements by the Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm Street, Bucksport.