BANGOR – Kenneth F. Morgan, 70, passed on April 30, 2011, at his home.
He is survived by his beloved hiking and life partner of 30 years, Richard D. Strout. Summiting Mount Whitney and Long’s Peak, backpacking the Grand Canyon, exploring all the trails of Baxter State Park with it’s jewel Katahdin and Acadia National Park so many times, as well as so many more special places was their ultimate joy. Ken graduated from Old Town High School in 1959 after attending Herbert Gray Elementary School and Bradley Grammar School. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and government. A Fulbright Scholarship enabled him to attend the University of Erlangen, Germany, and a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at Northwestern University led to an Master of Arts degree in history. After teaching history for a few years in the University of Maine System while pursuing further graduate education, he spent 35 years with the Maine AFLCIO advocating economic, social and environmental justice for all. Ken was a union brother of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837, seeing the solidarity of all brother and sister workers as the key to the good society. A lifelong liberal and humanist, he co-chaired the progressive Dirigo Alliance for many years.
In addition to his partner, Rick, Ken is survived by his revered big brother, Charles and wife, Jerie, Ken’s second sister. He cherished his niece, Cherie Grimm; and his nephews, Jim, David and Rick Morgan and Mark Brissette and their beautiful families. His many dear cousins remained close from childhood. He was predeceased by his perfect parents, Filmore and Lillian Morgan; his precious sister, Verna and brother-in-law, Don Brissette; and his one-of-a-kind, brother, Cy and sister-in-law, Myra Berry.
Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to Maine Appalachian Trail Club, P.O. Box 55, Gray, ME 04039-211 or any good cause of one’s choice. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.