FAIRFIELD – Kenneth Franklin Philbrick, 92, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, Waterville, with his family at his side. He was born in Bangor, the son of Lawrence David and Doris Ann (Whittaker) Philbrick. Ken graduated in 1933 from Gilman High School, Northeast Harbor, Mount Desert Island. In his early years, during the Depression, he helped build the tennis court on the Rockefeller estate and he caddied at the prestigious island golf course. He was always pleased to tell people that he caddied for Kate Smith. On June 6, 1937, he married the former Thelma West. They were just a month away from celebrating 73 years together. They relocated to Fairfield in search of employment. He was employed with E. B. Harris in his bakery before accepting employment with Maine Central Railroad. He retired as a crane operator in 1977, after long service. His time with the railroad was interrupted for two years, from 1944 to 1946, while he served in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Bogue during World War II. Ken served many years as a volunteer firefighter with Fairfield Fire Department. He was a member of Siloam Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion. He built a cottage on Lovejoy Pond in 1947, where he enjoyed many years with family and friends. He loved to hunt and fish anywhere and everywhere in the state of Maine. Ken is survived by a son, Lawrence Philbrick and wife, Deanna, of Hampden; a daughter, Joanne Cook of Waterville; his grandchildren, Laurie Cook, Kenneth Cook, Pamela Butler, Kathleen Nautel and Peter Lawrence Philbrick; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Mallory Ames, Kristin Cook, Benjamin Nautel, Parker Butler and Nathan Philbrick; and one great-great-grandchild, Cailynn Colby. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Geraldine Waning; and a son-in-law, Parker Cook. Respecting his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that he be remembered with donations to American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330-5615. Arrangements by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Condolences may be expressed at www.lawrybrothers.com.
KENNETH FRANKLIN PHILBRICK
