Kenneth Earl Smith, 80, of Searsmont, passed away on May 29 at the Sussman House in Rockport after a period of declining health. He was born July 11, 1935 in Northport to Arthur and Edith (Fairbrother) Smith.
Kenneth was always a career-driven man dedicated to hard work, always needing a project. He started his working life as a boat builder working in various yards along the coast including Fuller Shipyard in Boothbay and Owls Head as well as Hopeman Brothers, a subcontractor of Bath Iron Works.
He moved on to house painting for Jack Schumaker and also on his own for a brief period time. He then began working for himself with a well-established business constructing countless single-family FHA homes throughout the midcoast area and after many years joined with Oliver Builders to build on many of the MBNA projects; there he acquired the nickname “Grumpy.”
After so many years of hard, honest and dedicated work, Kenneth retired to enjoy the simple things in life like Hollywood Slots, Las Vegas, Foxwoods and to enjoy some traveling. After a few years of retirement, boredom got the best of him, and in his 70s took a position at Walmart in Rockland as an overnight shelf stocker.
Kenneth was predeceased by his father and mother; and brothers, Richard and Frank Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Frances Smith; daughters, Edith Peters and husband Wayne of Waldoboro, and Pamela Smith of Searsmont; sisters, Evelyn Deardorff of Bristol, and Cynthia Sykes of Damariscotta; brother, Seaward Smith of Bristol; grandsons, Ryan Hall and wife Lacy, and Tyler Hall and wife Susan, all of Northport; the delights of his life, great-granddaughters, Sydney and Ava Hall; special pets, Daisy, Sandy and Shadow; as well as many nieces and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast.
