FAIRFIELD – Kenneth “Kenny” Sanders passed away on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 at Maine General Hospital surrounded by loved ones and brilliantly exceeding his doctor’s expectations by about six years. He was born in Waterville on Oct. 26, 1946, the son of Kenneth and Louise Sanders, and spent his early life in Fairfield, where he was a graduate of Lawrence High School.

Kenny had an incredible work ethic no matter where he was employed, but he talked most fondly about his early years working on the West Coast in support of the NASA space program and his storied career at Keyes Fibre Company/Huhtamaki where both of his parents, his brother-in-law Doug, and many other friends and family worked.

He started at the mill in April of 1970 and made many deep, lasting friendships during his time there. During his tenure, he worked as a Security Guard, Sergeant of Security, Supervisor, and Production Coordinator, but we all know if there was such a thing as a Mayor of the Mill, he was that guy. Safe to say it was impossible to walk with him from the north end to the south end in less than 30 minutes because so many people would stop him to chat about life or to pick his brain for advice. He spent just over 35 years at the mill, retiring in June of 2005. To no one’s surprise, he returned after his retirement to do some occasional temp work to help out and keep in touch with some of his favorite people.

In his spare time, there were deer to be hunted, fish to be caught, and golf to be played with many of his family and friends. He and Sandy loved to travel to sunny Florida and historical Prince Edward Island, but they most enjoyed spending time on Maine’s coast in Ocean Point, eating seafood fresh off the boat near the winding roads lined with sea roses.

Kenny loved watching sports, especially when The Masters match was tight (and not so much when the Red Sox or Patriots were losing). He enjoyed his soaps and spent many an afternoon watching the antics on the “Young and the Restless” with his sister, Alma, after they both lost their spouses, bonding over the rivalries and romance going on in Genoa City, Wis.

Kenny was a man of service with a generous heart and spirit that guided him throughout his life. If there was a porch or car that needed repairs, landscaping that needed to be done, or hummingbirds needing to be fed, he was going to see that it got done. He loved to recommend and hire family or friends for these odd jobs, knowing that multiple people could benefit from just one simple act. He showed great concern and care for his aging family and friends, including his mom Louise and many of her siblings–and he made time to care for and visit them all. As noted by his dear brother-in-law, Russ, who knew Kenny so well, “For a man that was born with a faulty heart, he had one of the biggest around”.

He and Sandy loved to volunteer to serve holiday meals to veterans and those less fortunate, and one of his favorite memories was when his daughters Tammy and Kim joined them to distribute meals and were interviewed for the local news. He was truly proud. He deeply valued contributing to his community, fueled by his belief that no one should go to bed hungry. This inspired his invaluable work at the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, where he volunteered, recruited help, and served on the board for over 20 years. He took pride in ensuring that the pantry was updated and outfitted with all of the necessities needed to meet the needs of the community for years to come, and would proudly give a tour to share each new facility upgrade as it happened.

In recent years Kenny was deeply grateful for his connection with his friends and loved ones. Whether it was a call from his nephews or brother-in-law, a visit with his niece and her kids, conversations with special friend Debbie and others who appreciated Kenny’s legendary self-deprecating humor, a visit from Brenda, who always made sure his hair was trimmed, or check-ins from favorite neighbors Gene and Vera, who were always there in any moment of need–he was deeply grateful for the way people showed up for him. He expressed this often—always starting and ending each call and conversation with his patented “God Bless You”.

He was truly one of a kind and is already deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kenny was predeceased in 2015 by his greatest love and wife of 25 years, Sandra; as well as his siblings Eileen, Noreen, and Alma.

He is survived by his children, sons Steven and Scott, daughter, Kim (and her husband Brent), daughter, Tammy (and her partner Joey), son, Randy (and his wife Pam), son-in-law, Steve Denis; grandchildren Corey (and his wife Mackenzie), Kaylin (and her husband Joey), and Brandon. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Russ; cousin, Mike Cilley, and the Bolduc clan. He had a special place in his heart for his nephews Kevin, Kirk, and Curtis and nieces Stacie and Aimee and their children, all of whom he thought of as his own. He is also survived by many wonderful friends he considered family, but none perhaps as important as his long-time neighbors and friends “Genie” and Vera, who were so instrumental in helping to keep things afloat on Center Road, especially as Kenny’s health declined.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on 76 Industrial Rd. in Waterville. If you’re so inclined, please bring a special story or fun memory to share.

Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to

The Fairfield Interfaith

Food Pantry

in Kenny’s name, and donations can be mailed to

23 Lawrence Ave.

Fairfield, ME 04937

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