Kenneth J. Goodale

HOULTON — Kenneth J. Goodale, 61, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2008.

He was born Sept. 9, 1947, in Newton, Mass., the son of Raymond and Ruth (Bates) Goodale, and he grew up in Wells.

Ken was an educator in various school systems across the state, retiring as principal at Hodgdon Elementary School in 1998. As a young man he worked long and hard on his education — at times working two jobs — while helping his wife, Norma, raise their three children.

Ken's academic achievements were a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern Maine in 1976; a master of education from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1987; and his certificate of advanced study, also from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1998.

He was a proud father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by Norma (Whitten) Goodale, who he was married to for 38 years and who he loved very much; his mother-in-law, Wilda McEwen, who loved and supported him unconditionally; his three sons, Mark and his wife, Heike, of Littleton, Scott and his wife, Pamela, of Wentworth, N.H., and Justin and his wife, Danielle, of Carmel; his seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Dalton, Brandon, Collin, Myah and Dru; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Janet and her husband, Wayne Smith, of Hope; and brothers Robert and his wife, Priscilla, of Moody, and Bradford, of York, and his feline companion, Clyde.

He was predeceased by his father, Raymond W. Goodale Jr.; his mother, Ruth (Bates) Goodale; and his brother, Raymond W. Goodale III.

A graveside service celebrating Ken's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Ocean View Cemetery, 1485 Post Road, Wells, with the Pastor Herb Henry of the United Congregational Church officiating. The service will be followed by a light meal and desserts at the United Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Houlton Humane Society, 263 Callaghan Road, Houlton, ME 04730.