Kenneth Frasher Jackson

AUGUSTA – Kenneth Frasher Jackson, 63, passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 23, 2023. Ken was born in Gardiner on April 25, 1960, the son of Stanley Jackson and Constance (Dyer) Gogan.

Ken, or”Kenny” to those who knew him best, grew up and attended Gardiner area schools until he finished his senior year of high school in New Hampshire. He was a standout hockey player with the Gardiner Tigers high school team, which was a highlight of his youth. He remained a lifelong, avid fan of youth and professional sports.

Ken was willing to try most things at least once. Marriage, he tried his hand twice: first with Brenda (MacDonald) DeLisle, the mother of his three children, and once more with Kimberly (Madore) Johnson. While neither marriage lasted as long as he had hoped, he loved each the best he knew how. His love and appreciation for both endured until his death.

Ken’s proudest accomplishments in life were his children and grandchildren. He had a special bond with his only son, Kenny (Junior), and, together, they spent many years, side-by-side, on residential and commercial job sites offering clients a wide range of construction and finish carpentry services. In addition to being a skilled carpenter, Ken reinvented himself – once as a long-haul truck driver, and again as restaurateur opening Second Chance in Hallowell in the early 90s.

Ken will be fondly remembered for his warm heart, easy smile, kindness to strangers, patriotism, and his love of music – especially soft rock hits from the 80s and 90s. Ken’s ability to transform a lobster trap into a cradle for a newborn, his Guy Fieri-like persona when at home in his kitchen, his adventurous spirit (and penchant for raising hell), and his abiding faith all made him one of a kind.

Ken was predeceased by his mother, Constance Gogan, his father, Stanley Jackson; his sister, Kelley Guerette; his niece, Connie MacDonald; his grandson, Jackson Matthew Potter; and his beloved dogs Hobbes, and Hobbes II.

Ken leaves behind a son, Kenneth Jackson of Springvale, two daughters, Melissa Potter and her husband, Tim of Pittston, and Amber Kruk and her husband, Matt of Pittston; and four grandchildren, Ella Kruk, Owen Jackson, Emmalee Potter, and Madeline Kruk. He is also survived by two sisters, Marie Greenly, and husband Glen of New Hampshire, Jackie Lessard, and husband Roger of Augusta, and one brother, Jack Teehee of Tennessee. He also leaves behind nieces Sunshine Folsom and Robin Greenly, nephews Corey Folsom, Scott Lessard, and James Lessard, and his lifelong friend, Todd Purdy.

Ken was always drawn to the ocean, a fondness born of childhood memories in East Boothbay. In keeping with Ken’s final wishes, his children will scatter his ashes at sea near Boothbay, where they hope he finds a peace that eluded him in life. Those wishing to be informed of these plans may reach his children at [email protected].

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Respects, condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page on the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ken’s memory to the

Kennebec Valley Humane Society,

10 Pet Haven Lane,

Augusta, ME 04330;

Crisis and Counseling Centers,

10 Caldwell Rd.,

Augusta, ME 04330;

or a charity of their choice.