Kermit Avery Sanborn

Kermit Avery Sanborn, 89 PORTLAND -- Kermit Avery Sanborn, 89, formerly of Denmark, died at home on Sept. 19, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boothbay Harbor on May 10, 1920, the son of Freeman and Florence Sanborn. A graduate of Portland High School, he later attended Bryant and Stratton Business College in Boston. Kermit was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Kermit loved selling, meeting people, and traveling. For over 30 years he sold supplies to the printing industry in Maine and New Hampshire for Northeastern Graphic Supply. In 2008 he was honored to receive the Founder's Award from the Maine Graphic Arts Association. In addition, he loved the outdoors, including fishing, camping, hunting, and picnicking - and especially doing these activities with his family. Kermit was also involved in many service organizations, such as the Denmark and South Portland Lions Clubs, the Masons and Eastern Star, as well as the Denmark Congregational Church and before that the South Portland Thornton Heights United Methodist Church. Family was always a tremendous sense of joy for Kermit. His remarkable sense of humor will be missed not only by his family, but by the many, many others he met throughout Maine, and beyond. Kermit was predeceased by Eleanor, his loving wife of 58 years; by his parents; and six older brothers and sisters. He is survived by his son Vaughn and his wife Theresa of Port Republic, Md., his daughter Suzanne and her husband Ralph of Kennebunk, and his son William and his wife Nancy of Denmark; his grandsons Jeffery Sanborn of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, and Jonathan Sanborn and his wife Karen, and their son Ryan, of Virginia Beach, Va. Kermit's family deeply appreciates the compassionate care given by Linda O'Brion and Lisa Allen during his last days and weeks. Their loving support and guidance, along with assistance from Hospice of Southern Maine, made it possible for the family to honor one of Kermit's key wishes - to remain in his home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, at 12:30 p.m., at the Denmark Congregational Church. Interment will follow at Berry Cemetery in the Sanborn plot. Visiting hours at Raymond- Wentworth Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Bridgton on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6-8 p.m.; with a Masonic ceremony at 7 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Denmark Congregational Church P.O. Box 816 Denmark, Maine 04022 or the charitable organization of your choice. Kermit Avery Sanborn