GREENBUSH – Tony Blaine Kitchen, 54, passed away May 11, 2009, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer, at his home. Tony was born July 17, 1954, in Houlton, to Olyn “Dale” Kitchen and Jean (Rollins) Kitchen, the third of four sons. Tony and his two brothers, William and Greg, owned and operated K-B Corp., Old Town. Tony’s life was this business and his family. He truly enjoyed family get-togethers and cookouts. To relax he liked nothing better than to operate a bulldozer or drive a truck. He passed the love of trucking onto his niece and nephews, and had a hand in teaching each of them to drive. Though his daughter, Samantha, never had an interest in driving, she could usually be found in the passenger seat enjoying the ride. He married his loving wife, Debra “Debbie” Blanchard, June 1976. They built their life together and raised Samantha in Greenbush. Debbie took complete care of him through his illness and until his passing, with a strength and love that most would envy. He will be joining his infant daughter, Jennifer Lynn, in heaven. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debbie; his daughter, Samantha Jean, 19, of Greenbush; his mother, Jean Kitchen of Greenbush; his father, “Olyn” Dale Kitchen of Milford; his brothers, William Kitchen and his wife, Marion, of Greenbush, Gregory Kitchen and his wife, Lea Ann, of Greenbush and Rickey Kitchen and his wife, Brenda, of Greenbush. He is survived by several special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, Matthew Kitchen and his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Emma of Greenbush, Brian Kitchen and his wife, Chasity, and two girls, Trista and Taylor of Greenbush, Melonie Bond and her husband, Jason, who he thought of as a nephew, and their boys, Allen and Andrew. He is also survived by a man who was as close to family as one could get, Charles Eaton and his wife, Lisa, of Bangor. He is also survived by his great-uncle and great-aunt, Carl and Dawn Kitchen of Pushaw and many others. The family offers a special thanks to Virginia Thompson and her sons, Lynn and Mark and their families, all of China, for standing by Tony and the family through this period. Their many visits with Tony were very special to him. The family also gives a very special thank you to Pastor John Cutler of Greenfield Baptist Church, who helped Tony to find the way to Christ; and to family friend, Donna Bond who guided Tony and Debbie through the medical process and even accompanied them to Boston for treatments. We also thank all those who stopped to pray for Tony and his recovery. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where a funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday. Private interment services will be conducted at Cardville Cemetery. For those who wish to view an online memorial or post a personal tribute may do so through www.mem.com.
TONY BLAINE KITCHEN
