Chebeague Island -- Kenneth L. Darling, 84, of New Gloucester, died unexpectedly on Monday Dec. 17, 2012 on Chebeague Island where he had been a resident since September. He was born in South Portland on Feb. 15, 1928, a son of Winifred (Moody) and Melvin Theodore Darling. He was educated in South Portland schools and enlisted in the US Navy during WWII where he trained as a Seabee before being sent to China.
After the war Ken had the good fortune to marry Joanne Shore and they raised their eight children in South Portland. During this time he worked as a meat cutter with A&P in South Portland before changing his career to driving trucks. He drove local and New England routes primarily but became a long haul driver when he moved to Florida. He enjoyed NASCAR.
Ken returned to Maine 24 years ago and settled in New Gloucester where he lived a quiet life and occasionally worked with his Mike and grandson Lonnie on Chebeague Island where he made many lasting friendships on the island. He enjoyed helping his daughter Leslie with yard work and doing some inside painting for Deborah. He enjoyed working on his car and he was still changing his own oil this last summer. Ken enjoyed a good joke, even at his own expense and he will be remembered as a man with a ready laugh.
Ken is survived by his daughter Deborah Rand of Durham, his daughter Laurie Emblem and her husband Bruce of Montreal, his son Michael Darling and his wife Kathy of Yarmouth, his son Jason Darling and Fredericka Walsh of North Yarmouth, his daughter Leslie Orne and her husband David of Yarmouth, his daughter Tracey Goodridge and her husband Peter of Stratham, NH, his daughter Randi Foote and her husband Dana of Cape Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his sister Eloise Bettney and her husband Al of Scarborough, his brother Raymond Darling and his wife Jane of Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Joanne and his daughter Kim Darling.
A celebration of Ken's life will be held next summer. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Ken's life and to share your condolences, memories and tributes with his family.