He was born January 1, 1956 in Lewiston, ME to Kenneth E. Vining Sr. and Carolyn (Child) Vining.
Kenny grew up and attended Poland schools, Oxford Hills and Edward Little. He furthered his education becoming a certified marine mechanic and was highly respected and very well known in the industry. On August 23rd, 1980 he married the love of his life, Lori Ann Wright and from their union Jonathan "Jake" and Matthew Vining were born. After relocating to Northern Maine he broadened his knowledge to include excavation for the paper companies and private land owners. Ken's skills as an outdoorsman and hunter led him to become a registered Maine Guide where he made many lasting friendships. He divided his time between the homestead in Woolwich and the camp in Upper Enchanted. Ken never met a stranger and will be remembered for his loving heart, kindness, and willingness to help anyone.
In 2015 Ken began his journey with cancer. Over the next five years he became an inspiration to others with his positive outlook and encouragement to those facing the same. Due to his great strength and will to win the battle, Ken endured chemo as well as 95 radiation treatments with grace, dignity and an unwavering determination. Ken will be lovingly remembered as a larger than life personality always making everything an adventure.
Ken was greeted by his father, his son Jake, and granddaughter, Olyvia K. Hickman.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, son, Matthew and Roxanne Vining and children Emma and Spencer, daughter, Heidi Hickman and sons Khaari and Derrion Hickman, Heather Burke and children Zeb, Skyler, and Wyatt Vining, mother, Carolyn Vining, sister, Sharon and Dennis Potvin, brothers, Dan Vining and Amy, and Tom and Rose Vining, sister, Sherri Kimball and Gary, brother, Steve and Heidi Vining, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A special thanks from the family to Dr. Norris Lee, and Shannon Ridge, Dr. Michael Brown and Sherry Turcotte, Dr. Daniel Rausch and Megan Pettingill and all their staff, Chans Home Health and a special thank you to Lacey.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ken's name to either The Pine Tree Camp at pinetreesociety.org or St.Judes at stjude.org.
