GREENVILLE – Richard L. “Duke” McKeil died Sept. 16, 2011, after a long illness. He was born Dec. 3, 1931, in Greenville, but was a resident of Rockwood.
He attended schools in Rockwood and Greenville, class of 1950. He held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and economics from the University of Maine. Duke retired from the University of Southern Maine with the rank of professor emeritus of business, economics, and management after 30 years of teaching. While there he administered a grant from the Maine Real Estate Commission, which led to the establishment at University of Southern Maine of the Center for Real Estate Education. He was the public member of the Maine Real Estate Commission for seven years. Duke served on the Gorham Planning Board for five years and Gorham Town Council for two terms. He taught at Mattanawcook Academy, Lincoln, prior to his university affiliation. He was associated with The Mount Kineo Resort on Moosehead Lake while in college and later in management as vice president of the corporation. In that role he was appointed by Gov. Curtis to the Mark Maine Committee, a committee associated with economic development in the 1960s. In retirement Duke was the executive director of the Moosehead Marine Museum and later president of the non profit corporation. At the same time he was active in raising the funds needed for the restoration of the former steamship Katahdin and for building a new museum at the site. He was a member of Campaign Finance Committee for C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital; The Natural Resources Education Center; Piscataquis Committee of the Maine Community Foundation; Moosehead Historical Society and Maine Association of Archives and Museums. McKeil was the founding president of the Grapevine Scholarship Fund in 1967. Although Duke had been all over the world, he was always happiest on Moosehead Lake. His favorite activities were sailing, skiing, snowmobiling and leading camping trips with family and friends as honorary mayor of Duck Cove. Duke was a gourmet cook who enjoyed entertaining and never missed an afternoon at Stress Free Moose, where he had many friends. He also enjoyed raft-ups with other members of Moosehead Lake Yacht Club and was a past commodore.
Duke is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Susan (Chase) McKeil of Greenville;
two daughters, Elizabeth Cannell, partner of Kevin Cannell, of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Kelly McKeil, partner of Ken Topel, of Windham; a son, Richard McKeil, partner of Kelley Watson, of Greenville; six grandchildren, Ashley Williams, Max Bangs, Kylie Bangs, Brendan Hoban, Keegan Cannell and Owen Cannell; four great-grandchildren, Ethan, Cassidy, Joel and Meadow; several nieces and nephews, especially Dan Martin of Surprise, Ariz., and his wife, Susan. He is also survived by his lifelong friend of more than 70 years, Louis O. Hilton.
A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Union Evangelical Church, Greenville, where visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Moosehead Marine Museum or Grapevine Scholarship Fund, care of Charles Carter, Greenville, ME 04441. Those who wish may leave written condolences at
www.CrosbyNeal.com.