Kenneth R. "Ken" Ethier

Kenneth R. "Ken" Ethier, 75, proud Auburn resident, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 30, 2024, with his beloved family at his side.
Ken leaves his devoted wife of 53 years, Ellen M. (Bombard); their loving sons, Michael J. Ethier and his wife Melanie, of East Brookfield, and Joseph R. Ethier, of Auburn, and his companion Sandi Premo, of Spencer; three cherished grandchildren, Michael C. Ethier, of Shrewsbury, and Madison D. and Martina L. Ethier, both of East Brookfield; his siblings, Richard Ethier and his wife Sheila, of Cherry Valley, and Linda Backholm and her husband Phil, of Northborough; his cousins, Michael Ethier, of Millbury, Bobby Ethier, of Sturbridge, and Claire and Frank Marchessault, of Lunenberg; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ken was born in Worcester, son of the late Donald and Lora (LaPrad) Ethier. He was raised and educated in Auburn, graduating with Auburn High School's Class of 1968. He then attended the Worcester Boys Trade School, where he specialized as a Machinist. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1970, and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1976.
Ken had a lengthy career as a Machinist at Kinefac Corp. of Worcester, retiring as Facilities Manager, but his true passions in life were history, the Town of Auburn, and his family.
He took pride in his roles in the Historical Commission of Auburn, the Auburn Historical Society (of which he was Past President), and the Auburn Cemetery Commission. Ken was known as the unofficial Auburn Historian, spent numerous hours educating and informing residents of the Town's history, and travelled to lecture other Town historical societies. He was the 2014 recipient of the John E. and Ethel E. Riley Outstanding Citizenship Award.
Ken also had a deep interest in historical ice harvesting, and had quite the collection of memorabilia and tools of his own.
He volunteered at the Samuel Slater Experience in Webster, where he loved providing group tours with his knowledge and love of history.
Ken was a member of the Straw Hollow Engine Club in Boylston, the International Harvester Collectors Club Chapter 18, the Black Tavern Historical Society of Dudley, and was on the Board of Directors at Waters Farm in Sutton.
Ken was instrumental in the passing of a Massachusetts General Law (Part IV >Title I> Chapter 272 > Section 73B) with State Representative Paul Frost, which criminalized the theft of military displays in cemeteries. He also played a role in the creation of the David P. Kusy Memorial Square on Water Street in Auburn, as well as the Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Memorial Monument on Rochdale Street.
Above all, Ken loved his family, his town, and its' residents. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten – his many acts of service for the Town of Auburn will always be cherished.
Ken's family would like to thank the staff of VNA Hospice for their kind and compassionate care, as well as express their appreciation for Ryan Holstead, MD, whose care for Ken during his cancer treatment was unmatched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Waters Farm Preservation, Inc., 4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, MA 01590 (www.watersfarm.org), and/or to The Special Olympics, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 (https://www.specialolympicsma.org/).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Ken's family from 2 – 5 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 8th at 10 AM at St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford Street N, Auburn. Kindly proceed directly to church, please. Burial, with military funeral honors, will be held at St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.