Kenneth “Ken” Caron

PORTLAND – Kenneth “Ken” Wilfred Caron, second to none, was a lifelong son of Maine, proud U.S. Navy veteran, and a man known for his unwavering commitment to family, the electric utility industry, and his community. Ken passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2026, at the age of 76 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Myeloma. Throughout his struggles, he faced each challenge with remarkable strength and determination. His family now finds comfort in knowing he is at peace.

Born on Aug. 20, 1949, in Winslow, Ken was the son of the late Wilfred and Loretta Caron and the second of six siblings. Growing up in the close-knit community of Winslow, he developed a deep appreciation for Central Maine. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1967, where he ran cross country and was the lead drummer for The Groupe, a popular local rock band that played at school functions and in the local music scene.

Ken later joined the United States Navy where he served as a radarman Seaman (RDSN) achieving the rank of E-3. Following an honorable discharge after Vietnam, he returned to Central Maine where he attended Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute to study electronics, later starting his career at Central Maine Power Company.

Ken spent over 32 years working at CMP where he was respected by his colleagues for his professionalism and dedication to the industry. Starting his career changing flashboards on hydroelectric dams he worked his way up to leadership roles in System Operations and Training. He was proud of his role providing safe, reliable power for CMP customers. While working full time at CMP he completed his bachelor’s in business administration at the University of Maine Augusta, graduating in 1983 as the first person in his family to receive a college degree. Following retirement, Ken was Vice President of the Central Maine Power Retirees Association and frequented the Friday retirees’ breakfasts.

A man of quiet strength and unwavering commitment to his loved ones, Ken possessed a unique sense of humor. With a wry wit, he found laughter in everyday moments. He rarely complained, unless you put ketchup on his hotdog.

Ken’s greatest legacy is his commitment to family, friends, and community. He was the devoted husband of Mary Lou for 51 years. They met at a local bar and instantly found connection, marrying only six months after first laying eyes on one another. Together they built a life rooted in devotion, compassion, joy, adventure, and curiosity about the world. They instilled these same values in their children. Ken loved attending his children’s activities, including Jeremy’s sporting events and vocational competitions, and Kimberly’s countless dance recitals, band and chorus concerts.

He found his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life, weekends spent by the pool, grilling for friends and family, road trips throughout Maine, New England, and beyond, and annual camping trips to Acadia with extended family. Ken also liked to tinker away on projects around the house and built most of the family home himself, along with eventual additions, outdoor amenities, and landscaping. Family reunions, holiday parties, game nights and Sunday brunch were regular commitments between Ken, his siblings, parents, dozens of cousins, and family friends.

A devoted Catholic throughout his life, he served as an altar boy at St. John’s as a child and later faithfully attended the Parish of the Holy Spirit, where he served as a Eucharistic minister.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou; his son, Jeremy, wife Christine (Reinders) and granddaughter, Mina; his daughter, Kimberly Caron, husband Matthew (Koch) and granddaughter, Magnolia; his siblings, Darlene Tansey, Joyce (Nassim) Nasr, sister Angela Caron-Reed, and brother Keith (Carla) Caron.

He was predeceased by his father, Wilfred, mother, Loretta; and sister Theresa Caron.

A celebration of Ken’s Life will be at the new Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral, and Gathering Center, 300 Allen Ave., Portland on May 2, with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Following Ken’s memorial service there will be a reception at the funeral home.

To view Ken’s Memorial Page or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, an organization supporting veterans diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.