Kenneth George Wood

Bradley, Dixmont and Wayland, Mass. - Kenneth George Wood, 78, died peacefully September 27, 2017 at his home. He was born December 16, 1938, in Wayland, MA a son of Ronald H. and Mildred F. (Mandigo) Wood.

Ken was educated in Wayland Schools and received a Culinary Degree from Northeastern University Cook and Bakers School. His long career in food service (managing and owning businesses all over New England), included Pewter Pot Management, Dunkin' Donuts, Charles Goodlight Fish and Chips, Theater-by-the-Sea Restaurant, B&K Lounge, Manton Ave Muffin Shops, Ken's Wholesale Pastries, B&K Pizza Shop, Gateway Restaurant, Broadway Coffee Shop, Wagon Wheel Restaurant and Lounge, Ken's Take-out, Cugino's, Peeled Potatoes, and served as Food and Beverage Director for Holiday Inns and Comfort Inn. In later years, Ken ran the kitchen for Sigma Chi Fraternity and Chi Omega Sorority for the University of Maine. A banquet in his honor marked his retirement from Food Service. Ken's part-time job was fourteen years as a Bangor Daily News delivery person from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., where he was awarded Carrier of the Month. Ken served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard of MA. In Maine, he lived with his mom, Mildred, and owned Smith Farm on the Mitchell Road.

Ken's social life was very active and he belonged to various organizations over the years including Massachusetts Auctioneers, Massachusetts Food and Beverage Association, Boston Chess Club, United States Chess Federation (rated), Sigma Chi (Life Loyal Sig.), Rho Rho Chapter, University of Maine, Elks BPOE#244, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Dudley Pond River Rats, Den Leader Cub Scouts, Troop Leader Boy Scouts, Active Member Clowns of America Int, World Clown Association, Founder Bangor Clowns Chickadee Clowns. His Masonic history includes Past Master Meridan Splendor #49 Newport, St. John's Commandery #3 Bangor, St. Stephen Royal Arch Masons #28 Newport, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bangor Council, Valley of Bangor, Consistory, Valley of Portland, Bangor Chapter Rose Croix, Palestine Council, Princes of Jerusalem, Order of Malta, Eastern Star Lodge of Perfection, 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past Master "Architects" Association, Member Anah Temple, Bangor, Past President Bangor Brewer Shrine Club, Past Director Anah Temple Clowns, Past President Northeast Shrine Clown Association, Founder Herring Chokers Degree, Anah temple, Founded the Anah Temple Clown Catering, Member of the 500 Club Bangor Brewer Shrine Club, Winner Children's Choice Award NESCA.

Ken also enjoyed auctions, carpentry, and teaching clowning. He taught classes at the University of Maine, Bangor High School, Orono Adult Education and Clown College. He also served on the Bradley Planning Board for over 11 years. He was a member of AMVETS Post #9 of Old Town.

He was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Lisa Emmons; and two brothers, Ronnie and Paul Wood. He is survived by his soulmate of 25 years, Jacqueline Whitmore; 3 sons, Brett Wood and his wife, Shari, of CA, and Adam Wood and his wife, Koula, of NH, George Masnyk and his wife, Janet, of Veazie; two daughters, Laurie Dufresne of NH, and Teresa Tedesco and her husband, Gary, of Kennebunk; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; son-in-law Dana Emmons of CA; sister Elizabeth Baker of NH; special cousin, Charles Brooks of Dixmont; special friends, Jim MacKenzie and Brenda Fair Montverdi; and special Rho Rho Brothes Blake Fryer and Rn Milley.

There will be no formal services. Private interment of his ashes will be at the elephant stone at the Milford Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children-Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.