Kenneth A. Schuler, 64, died March 22 at his home. He was born on April 2, 1947 in Floral Park, N.Y., the son of Clifford and Florence Schuler. Ken was a loving family man, and a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Ken graduated high school from Stockbridge Academy, Stockbridge, Mass. in 1966 and Franconia College, Franconia, N.H. in 1968. Ken was a great source of knowledge, strength, and vitality.
Ken married the love of his life, soul mate and mountain climbing companion, Margaret “Peggy” Turner, on June 13, 1970. The garden wedding was hosted by Peggy’s parents Dr. and Mrs. Fennell Turner at the family cottage on Damariscotta Lake, Jefferson. The lake house became a family gathering place for years to come.
In the fall of 1970 Ken and Peggy purchased and renovated an old hillside farm in Hartford. With the skills learned from farming in New Hampshire and the teachings of professors at Franconia College, they pioneered the use of organic farming. He was a self taught, skilled carpenter and mechanic and also enjoyed blacksmithing and metal work. He was a problem solver. He worked hard to do all aspects of small farming from wood lot management to raising farm animals to gardening and haying. Ken especially loved horses and enjoyed many years working with his Belgium workhorses and riding horses with his family.
Ken was a peace and civil rights activist. He had a keen intellect, a sharp quick wit and a great sense of humor. For many years, he served on the road and budget committee in Hartford and also on the school board. During his tenure on the School Board he was able to help the towns of Hartford, Sumner and Buckfield build a new high school for SAD#39. For over 42 years, Ken and Peggy owned and worked in the family business, Axis Natural Foods of Auburn. Axis Natural Foods is now Maine’s longest running natural food store. They also partnered in the ownership and operation of Harvest Time Natural Foods in Augusta for over 20 years.
Ken was an outdoorsman who cared deeply about taking care of the environment. He enjoyed hiking, skiing, fishing, boating and canoeing with his family. He always loved a new adventure and learning diverse skills. He also greatly appreciated music, art and movies. Ken particularly enjoyed traveling with his family. Ken was happiest when the family gathered for holidays. Ken loved to be with his relatives whether from Maine, New York, or distant relatives and friends from afar.
Ken was very proud of his two daughters, Laura Schuler Hagedorn and Camille Schuler Goodwin. He was involved in and supportive of their many endeavors and loved traveling around Maine to watch their basketball, softball, and soccer games. Ken was particularly proud of their academic achievements and was honored to attend Laura’s and Camy’s college and graduate school graduations. One of the greatest joys in Ken’s life was the arrival of his five grandchildren. He warmly embraced his role as “Papa.” Ken especially enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren his love of nature and teaching them how to fish, swim and go lobstering.
In his later years, Ken had a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, but he maintained a positive attitude and he happily worked up until the day of his death. He enjoyed time spent at the family cottage in Edgecomb. He recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of renovating and sailing his Cape Dory sailboat with all the family and grandchildren together.
Ken was predeceased by his father-in-law, Dr. Fennell Turner and mother-in-law Vera Turner; brother-in-law, Bill Turner; aunt, Helen Lasker and her husband Harry; uncle, Harry Shanin; and aunt, Ginny Jones.
He is survived by his beloved wife Peggy of 42 years; daughter, Laura Schuler Hagedorn, husband William Hagedorn and their children Miles and Nathaniel of Yarmouth; daughter, Camille Schuler Goodwin, husband Robert Goodwin and their children Weston, Eliza and Amelia of Freeport; parents, Clifford and Florence Schuler of Lake Worth, Fla.; brother, Ronald Schuler and wife Adrienne of Morrison, Col. and their children Seth Schuler and Samantha Schuler and their families; sister, Lynn Murray and husband Peter of New York, N.Y. and their children Danielle Schillen and Jordan Murray and their families; aunt, Joan Shanin; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
At Ken’s request, there will be no public visiting hours. Following cremation, Ken’s family will be having a private celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make donations in Ken’s memory to The Nature Conservancy, the Conservation Law Foundation, or the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association.
To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, please go to the obituary page at www.StrongHancock.com, or send to PO Box 488, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
