SEARSMONT – Kenneth B. Perkins, 91, of Searsmont, and formally of East Winthrop, died peacefully on March 27, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Ken was born in Bath, New Brunswick, Canada, on Dec. 18, 1931. The only child of William Kenneth Perkins and Nellie Clapp. Ken moved to Pittsfield, at a young age, attending Maine Central Institute and spending summers with his beloved cousins in Sedgwick. In 1950 Ken joined the U.S. Navy, serving on a hospital ship during the Korean war until 1954. Ken always reflected fondly on his time in the Navy, often regaling his family with stories about his travels.

After leaving the Navy Ken enrolled in Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, where he met the love of his life, Marie Mallard, while both working at the Lahey Clinic. Ken became a pharmacist in 1958 and he and Marie married that same year. Ken worked as a hospital pharmacist in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts while raising his young family, before permanently moving to Maine to serve as a pharmacist for the Veteran’s Hospital- TOGUS in Augusta, Maine. Ken retired in 1992 after 30 years of service.

Ken was a man of strong beliefs and had a passion to help others, immersing himself in worthy causes. Ken was a founding member of the world-wide Veteran’s for Peace Organization. Ken and Marie were active members of the Pondtown Friends Quaker Meeting, where they met many lifelong friends. They also volunteered as mediators for the Maine Attorney General’s office for many years. In his personal time Ken enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking, gardening, and reading- always providing a book recommendation to anyone who asked. Ken also participated in the New England Senior Games in a variety of track and field events into his late seventies- winning multiple gold medals along the way.

Ken was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Marie (Mallard) Perkins and son-in-law, Ronald “Goldy” Goldstein. Ken is survived by his three children, Scott Perkins of Searsmont, Cheryl Mallard of Searsmont, Robert Perkins and his wife Irene of Springfield, and an honorary daughter, Rebecca Hewett of East Winthrop. Ken is also survived by two grandchildren, Lea Goldstein and her partner, Ben of Cumberland Foreside, Noah Goldstein and his wife Erin of Scituate, Mass., and two great-grandchildren, Ari and Ophelia.

Ken will always be remembered for his witty sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and compassionate mind. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the amazing home hospice staff and the Sussman House in Rockport, for their compassionate and extraordinary end of life care.

A Quaker service will be held on April 7, 2023, at the Winthrop Grange located at 549 Old Lewiston Road, Winthrop, at 1 p.m.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

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