He was born in Brunswick on July 4, 1941 the son of Hyrum and Virginia Bamforth Staples. Ken was raised by his grandparents George and Ruth Bamforth. Ken attended Brunswick schools and was a 1960 graduate of Brunswick High School. Ken earned an associate degree in marine biology from Southern Maine Vocational Institute. For several years he worked at Brunswick Manufacturing.
On December 17, 1974 he married the former Phyllis Raye Anderson and as the love of his life he made completely sure that Raye always had everything that she ever wanted.
Ken retired from the Brunswick Recreation Depart after twenty years of service. Ken then worked as a part time driver for Car Quest in Brunswick until retiring November of 2011.
Ken greatest joy in life was the affection he showed by doting on his wife Raye, children, grandchildren and his dogs. In his neighborhood you could always set your watch by the time he faithfully walked his dogs especially Bear and Midnight. Ken always showed a strong willingness to help others especially when help was needed the most.
Ken enjoyed crossword puzzles and eating Mike & Ike’s by the bagfuls. An avid reader he enjoyed books by Thomas Clancy, Stephen King and John Grisham.
Surviving besides his wife of Brunswick are two sons Jason R. Wilkins of Portland and Darren J. Wilkins of Palmyra, VA. Two granddaughters Ryan and Lexi Wilkins. A sister Sharon Staples and a brother Bob Staples of West Palm, FL. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Ken was also predeceased by a brother Bill Staples.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday, August 25th from 2- 5PM at Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick. A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 26th at 1PM at the funeral home with the Rev. Ronald McLaughlin officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Coastal Humane Society 30 Range Road Brunswick, ME 04011. Memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com.
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