Kenneth Wallace Richardson, 104, of Rockland, died Feb. 13, just a few days before his 105th birthday. He was born Feb. 22, 1908 in Beverly, Mass., and lived there for 65 years. He was married to Maine native Ruth McKay for 51 years. Ken was a civil engineer; he worked for the South Essex district of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in his own business.
Ken was an avid gardener, known for his rose gardens. He was a champion bowler. Ken loved opera and reading and he played bridge until he was 103. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan who remembered fondly the games that he and his father attended when he was a boy. Ted Williams was Ken’s hero.
After his retirement, Ken moved to Clearwater, Fla., where he spent 25 happy years. There he continued his hobby of growing roses. He also won many trophies for bowling and shuffleboard. A kind and friendly man, Ken was always available to help, often driving people to doctor and hospital appointments five days a week.
In 1999 Ken moved to Bartlett Woods in Rockland to be near his daughters, Joyce Houston of St. George and Susan Richardson of Richmond. He was one of the first tenants and enjoyed his years there. Ken had many friends among the staff and tenants.
Ken was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; second wife, Edith Stinson; and special friend, June Witham.
He is survived by his daughters; granddaughter, Susan Spencer and husband Scott of Pittsburgh, Penn., and great-grandsons, Liam and Benjamin Spencer.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of Knox County, Dexter Street Ext., Rockland, ME 04841.
