ORLAND – Kenneth C. Brush, 77, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 2, 2009, at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 24, 1932, in Port Chester, N.Y., the son of Glen and Bernice Brush. Ken joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and began his career as a pilot. He served as an aircraft commander in B-47 bombers and later the KC-135 Stratotankers during the Vietnam War. After retiring in 1973, Ken graduated from Colorado School of Trades as a gunsmith and returned to Maine to open Orland Gun Shop, Orland. His passion for firearms and his seven day a week commitment to his customers drew new friends from around the state. After retiring from the gun shop in 2005, Ken and his wife of 40 years, Margaret (McGuire) Brush, wintered in Florida and summered in Orland. He was predeceased by his wife in 2008, his parents; and his brother, Glen. He is survived by his sister, Gladys of Sherburne, N.Y.; daughters, Helen Moore, Rebecca Billereal, Barbara Smith and Nancy Jernigan; son, Jerry Brush, all of Texas; stepdaughter, Kathy Weed of Deer Isle; stepsons, David Milan and wife, Vicki, of Orland and James Milan Jr. of Brooksville, Fla.; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. A graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Catholic Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Stonington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Island Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 42, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Services under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.
MAJ. KENNETH C. BRUSH, U.S. AIR FORCE, RETIRED
