AUGUSTA/SIDNEY –

Kenneth M. Douin of Augusta and Sidney, died on Sept. 15, 2022 after a brave struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born on Dec. 27, 1952 in Augusta, the son of Benoit and Cecile Douin. He was educated in Augusta schools and graduated from Cony High School.

Ken spoke of his parents with love and gratitude saying he would never change anything about his childhood. He was brought up to contribute, to work hard, and appreciate life. At nine years old, he worked delivering milk and shared a massive paper route with his brother. He helped his father maintain the family garden. Ken worked alongside his parents on their home and apartments on Penobscot Street. Small in stature, Ken was mighty in spirit and determination.

Trying to find his way, Ken worked at 15 years old for the City of Augusta mowing the grass at city cemeteries. Ken was shy and never wanted to draw attention. He loved to tell the story of falling through a grave and coffin at the back of the cemetery. Seeing a skeleton, feeling scared and embarrassed, he ran a fast as he could to the sidewalk causing great laughter among coworkers. Feather white and shaking, Ken walked home early that day.

Ken began to realize he had some skill working with his hands. He worked for McKee Construction, meeting on the job, a wonderful master carpenter and mentor, Delbert Plaisted. They became fast friends, continuing with their friendship until Del’s death in 2019. Ken built Del’s last home in Belgrade. During Ken’s employment, he began working “side jobs”. He used this experience to develop his own building and remodeling business. His work was solid, creative, and beautiful. Ken’s last employment was with the YMCA in Manchester.

During his business days, he hired an old friend, Richard Dudley and nephews Scott and Jason Douin. This crew was filled with singing, bad jokes, and made up lyrics to hymns. “Drop kick me Jesus through the goalpost of life” a group favorite.

Capable of great love and tenderness, Ken cared deeply for his sweetheart, Louise Earle. Her son, Jay Barrett and his daughter Natalea, were part of his heart. Natalea was his granddaughter. His “chickadee”. His partner on the four-wheeler and in the pool.

Ken was predeceased by his parents. His sister, Irene, died some time ago. Ken mourned her passing for the rest of his life.

Ken is survived by siblings, Dom of Augusta and Jackie of Vassalboro, and nephews Scott and Jason Douin and C. J. Roy. Also surviving is a niece Danielle Sirois and her son.

Ken is survived by his partner, Louise Earle. They shared a home and their everyday, their sufferings and their joys.

Ken would welcome Louise into his circle of much-loved animals. Sitting together, all of them, unhooking from work and worry on Sunday afternoons. A place of easy, peaceful breathing, warmth and comfort.

She has said she will miss him until the end of time.

No services are planned at this time.

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