Rev. Andrew D. Kane

BELGRADE – The Reverend Andrew D. Kane, 80, of Belgrade, peacefully passed on to continue his everlasting life with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 26, 2023 following a courageous bout with cancer. He was born in Chester, Pa. to John and Ruby Kane on May 10, 1943.

After graduating from Chester High School in 1961, he served in the Merchant Marines as a deckhand aboard the USS United States. Known as “Junior” for being one of the youngest on the crew, he learned about people from all walks of life. He received his BA at Eastern Baptist College and Master of Divinity at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

In 1966 he married Janet Miller at the First Presbyterian Church of Chester, Pa., where he had attended as a young man with his family.

Andy began his professional career with Scott Paper Company (in Maine, Alabama, and Pennsylvania) and Fox Morris Associates in Philadelphia as a corporate recruiter.

He was called into the ministry while attending the Springfield Baptist Church in Pennsylvania, where he later served as Associate Pastor under the guidance of Reverend Manuel Avila. Andy, Janet and their young son lived on the campus of Ellen Cushing Junior College in Pennsylvania, where Janet worked as head resident to enable him to pursue his Master of Divinity degree.

Andy had fallen in love with Maine while working for Scott Paper Company, and in 1973, when the opportunity arose to continue his ministry here, he seized it. Andy was privileged to serve the Lord for 34 years as the pastor of the United Baptist Church of Oakland, a loving church family in a caring community. He belonged to American Baptist Churches of Maine/USA and supported many mission projects throughout his ministry, including serving on the board of China Lake Conference Center.

He was instrumental in starting the Oakland Council of Churches Area Food Cupboard and the Oakland Area Summer Recreation Program. Believing that people of all faiths could love and respect each other and work together, he supported the Oakland Council of Churches and planned many events to gather folks for praise and fellowship.

An advocate for preventative health, he served as President of Healthy Northern Kennebec / a Planned Approach to Community Health for many years. Andy also served in various capacities on the board of the Belgrade Regional Health Center. He found it a profound privilege to serve as State Law Enforcement Chaplain – serving state and local communities.

Andy was predeceased by his parents and twin sister, Elizabeth. He is survived by his partner in ministry and beloved wife, Janet, of 56 years. They were blessed with three sons, a loving daughter-in-law and ten wonderful grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and many nieces and nephews.

Andy was truly a man of God – full of faith and love. He was so relatable and available, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and immediately make a connection.

He was an avid reader and lifelong learner – full of knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. He always had a humorous line in any situation, bringing peace, joy and hope in Christ. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The Lord God has welcomed his child, Andrew, with open arms and has said “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Many thanks to the hospice community at Maine General, who saw Andy and his family through many months of care, and to the nurses on the Comfort Care Hospice Unit at Glenridge. God blessed us with your presence.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday June 12, 2023 at The United Baptist Church of Oakland at 11 a.m., with a visiting hour at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers,

it was Andy’s wish that

you plant a tree, or you may make a donation to the:

United Baptist Church of Oakland

45 Church St.

Oakland, ME 04963