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Kenneth Darling Obituary
CHEBEAGUE ISLAND -- Kenneth L. Darling, 84, of New Gloucester, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, on Chebeague Island where he had been a resident since September. He was born in South Portland on Feb. 15, 1928, the son of Winifred (Moody) and Melvin Theodore Darling. He was educated in South Portland schools and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII where he trained as a Seabee before being sent to China.
After the war Ken had the good fortune to marry Joanne Shore and they raised their eight children in South Portland. During this time he worked as a meat cutter with A&P in South Portland before changing his career to driving trucks. He drove local and New England routes primarily but became a long haul driver when he moved to Florida. He enjoyed NASCAR.
Ken returned to Maine 24 years ago and settled in New Gloucester where he lived a quiet life and occasionally worked with his Mike and grandson Lonnie on Chebeague Island where he made many lasting friendships on the island. He enjoyed helping his daughter Leslie with yard work and doing some inside painting for Deborah. He enjoyed working on his car and he was still changing his own oil this last summer. Ken enjoyed a good joke, even at his own expense and he will be remembered as a man with a ready laugh.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Deborah Rand of Durham, his daughter, Laurie Emblem and her husband Bruce of Montreal, his son, Michael Darling and his wife Kathy of Yarmouth, his son, Jason Darling and Fredericka Walsh of North Yarmouth, his daughter, Leslie Orne and her husband David of Yarmouth, his daughter, Tracey Goodridge and her husband Peter of Stratham, N.H., his daughter, Randi Foote and her husband Dana of Cape Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister, Eloise Bettney and her husband Al of Scarborough, his brother, Raymond Darling and his wife Jane of Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Joanne; and his daughter, Kim Darling.
A celebration of Ken's life will be held next summer. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Ken's life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with his family.
Kenneth L. Darling
Lindquist Funeral Home
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
846-4011
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Darling
January 1, 2013
Having a Dad pass is never easy...and when any family has worked together it is even harder..the Darling family has been a part of the character of Yarmouth for many years and my family...Howard and Lillian Small had many great memories with Mike,Jason,Leslie and Randi and the ponies.... Hard working genes passed down from your dad and mom will keep his legacy alive for generations.... Out thoughts are with your entire family....Joe and Jane Plante of Spofford NH
December 31, 2012
Hi Mike and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. We'll miss your Dad out here. Our thoughts are with you all.
Bob and Nancy Earnest
Chebeague Island
December 30, 2012
Our sympathy goes out to you, Mike, and all your big family. Mary Lee and Chuck Hilly
December 29, 2012
Mike and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fred and Donna Martindale
December 28, 2012
Mike and family, we were so sad to read of your Dad's death on the Chebeague page. Dick enjoyed getting to know him at the Commons, and will miss seeing him there next summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dick and Jackie Cross
Barbara & Francis Carignan
December 25, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that your Dad is in a better place.
Lonnie Darling
December 25, 2012
I was fortunate to work with a three generational team, doing carpentry with my father and grandfather. I was able to make alot of lasting memories through our work together, where he often provided humor to all he worked with. I will always remember his willingness to help you wherever he could and the pride he found in a days work. His smile and laugh will be greatly missed at family functions. As a grandson I feel very lucky to have had such a close relationship with my grandfather.
Lonnie Darling
December 25, 2012
I was fortunate to have worked with a three generational team, doing carpentry with my father and grandfather. I was able to make alot of lasting memories through our work together, where he often provided humor to all he worked with. I will always remember his willingness to help you wherever he could and the pride he took in a days work. His smile and laughter will be greatly missed at family functions. I feel truly fortunate to have had a close relationship with my grandfather.
Kent Hilton
December 23, 2012
My thoughts are with you at this tough time.
Judie Berry
December 23, 2012
Thank you to this wonderful family for sharing your Dad with me these last few years. He reminded me so much of my own Dad and uncle Linwood...I can share in your grief, too. It is always harder, it seems, to lose someone so vital a part of your family, as he was. I feel blest that he touched my life and forever will remember the times you all shared him with me. Bless you all and cherish your memories. My love to you all, Judie Darling Berry
December 23, 2012
Thank you for your service.
Donnie + Sandy Mitsmenn
December 23, 2012
Jason, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. It is never an easy time, but remember the good times. Those memories last forever. Sincerely
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