Kenneth Gilbert Beach

Kenneth G. Beach, 91, of Portland, Maine died Saturday April 1, 2017 at Maine Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born in Eastport, Maine on September 13, 1925, the only child of Guy and Beatrice MacDonald Beach. He was married to his loving wife Catherine for 59 years.

At the age of five, Ken’s family moved to Portland during the Great Depression. He was raised in Portland and attended Nathan Clifford and Lincoln Middle School. He graduated from Deering High School in the class of 1944. He excelled as a student at Deering High School and was selected by the governor as one of two students in Maine recommended to attend West Point-United States Military Academy. He declined the offer, because he did not want a military career and thought it was unfair to deny another student the opportunity. He was drafted at the beginning of his senior year, completed graduation requirements early, and boarded the Queen Mary at the age of 18 to be transported to Europe to serve in the Army in World War II. He told stories of the trans-Atlantic trip with four men in each of the luxury staterooms as the ship zig-zagged across the Atlantic to avoid radar detection. He would point out his good fortune to make the trip on the Queen Mary which had superior accommodations and completed the journey in a much shorter time. He could always find the good in every situation. In the US Army he was a Sergeant serving as the navigator in a Tank Destroyer Battalion. Upon returning home, he moved to New Jersey. He attended RCA Technology Institute and worked for Bell Laboratories research facility in New York City, developing technology for transistors. He later returned to Portland and spent the majority of his career as the Director of Service Training for the Northeast region with Westinghouse Corporation, followed by Maytag, Magic Chef, and Whirlpool. His attention to detail and strong analytical skills, combined with his interest and ability as a teacher contributed to his success in this role.

Ken was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church and served in nearly every capacity as a tireless volunteer. He and Cathy were pillars of the church. He served 14 years on the vestry including service as Treasurer twice, Junior Warden and Senior Warden. He served years on the Canvas Committee and was Chairman of the Annual Canvas Campaign. He was known for his sharp mathematical and analytical skills and he continued to participate in the annual financial auditing process for many years. He was active on the Fellowship committee where he had many treasured friendships. Untold hours were spent serving at church suppers, yard sales, and preparing for the annual Christmas Fair. He and Cathy were in charge of the Antiques Room at the fair. This was a good fit for him since his hobby was antiques and collectibles. He served as an usher and could be counted on to make himself available to serve for funerals and to manage the sound system for countless services. He was selfless in his service to others and humble about his accomplishments. Ken and Cathy were recognized as a couple for lifelong service to the church as recipients of the Ruth Barnard Award in 2012.

Ken took pleasure in simple things and was grateful for all the blessings in his life. The warm chocolate cake and hot fudge sundaes Cathy made for him each evening for a bedtime snack were a favorite indulgence. He was a man of compassion, generosity, integrity, intelligence, humor, and wit. He was meticulously detailed and accurate and has been known to spend hours finding a missing penny when balancing his checkbook. He was recognized by all who knew him for his unwavering optimism and positive attitude. His standard answer when asked how he was doing: “Great, but improving”. His cup was always half full in his view. All who met him were impacted by his amazing attitude and wit and his ability to see the good in every situation. Ken was truly one of a kind and those he met described him as unforgettable. When asked his secret to living into his 90’s, he explained “it is having the right attitude, being positive”, and he would laughingly add “and eating what you want”. Ken stated his goal was to “make someone smile every day — if you do, that the day was worth living.” He did that remarkably well and the lives of many were richer because of it.

Ken enjoyed unravelling the family genealogy, watching the Red Sox and Patriots, doing Sudoku and cryptoquotes, eating Tony’s Donuts (after calling to make sure he arrived when they were hot), and above all spending time with his beloved family. Ken’s greatest joy was time spent with family. He cherished being with his grandchildren and would not miss a game, performance, school event or ceremony. His love for them, and pride in them, was endless! They were the joy of his life.

He is survived by his daughters Pamela Gilbert and husband Marc of Biddeford, Robyn Dixon and husband John of Portland, and three adored grandchildren Andrew Gilbert, Ryan Dixon and Nicole Dixon. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his loving wife Catherine in March 2015.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Marie Chamberlain, Ken’s assistant, who he and the family hold very dear to our hearts.

His family would like to extend our thanks for the wonderful care provided to him by the staff at Maine Medical Center, especially the nursing staff on R4 and the physicians on the hospitalist team. A special thanks to Dr. Kathleen McGarr. A very special thank you to Ken’s family physician, Dr. Phyllidia Ku-Ruth, who represents the best in both medical care and caring.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation from 5-8 pm on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Jones Rich & Barnes, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, April 11th at Trinity Episcopal Church, 580 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101. Spring interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Yarmouth.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for additional information and to sign Ken’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Ken’s memory to Trinity Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.