Kenneth Winters

Kenneth Thomas Winters
Bangor
Kenneth Thomas Winters, endearingly known as Oompa to his grandchildren and Dad to his two children, passed away in the morning on March 12, 2022 at the age of 81. He had an enormous capacity and will to live after suffering with severe Aplastic anemia. He will be remembered for his outdoor enthusiasm, entrepreneur skills, patriotism, faith and a drive to make every moment count. His adventurous stories and giving heart still ring in his friends and family’s dearest memories.
Kenneth grew up in Waterville, Maine. He played football at Waterville High School and received a scholarship to play football at the University of Maine. He enrolled in the ROTC program and upon graduation, received a BA in psychology. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant infantry officer in the Army. He pursued and achieved his desire to join the Special Forces and become a Green Beret.
In 1968-1970, he went back to school and received an MBA. After graduation, he was employed with Corning Glass, Continental Can and Montpelier Life until he started his own business, Winters Associates, as an international consultant. This new season gave him the opportunity to travel and to fulfill his lifelong dream to travel internationally and hunt. He traveled six continents hunting various species but had a special love for Africa. One of his greatest achievements was successfully hunting the Big Five.
Kenneth will be remembered for his great passion for travel and the outdoors. He was an ardent hunting enthusiast, nature photographer and author. In 2005, Ken joined the Rock Church in Bangor. For over 16 years he was able to worship at the church with his son, Kirk, as his lead pastor. This opportunity for faith and family allowed four generations to worship together.
Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Lucille Winters and his brother, Wayne Winters.
Kenneth is survived by his two children: Kirk Thomas Winters married to Lisa Winters in Charleston, Maine and Kimberly Reynolds Samuelson married to Eric William Samuelson, Gorham, Maine. Eight grandchildren: Olivia Eckman married to Lawrence Eckman, Victoria Randall married to Jon Randall, Joseph and William Winters; Joshua, Kirk, Hannah and Emma Samuelson. Seven great-grandchildren: Judah, Levi, Zion and Noel Eckman, Lydia, Jonny and Abigail Randall.
The Memorial Service will be held at The Rock Church, 1195 Ohio Street, Bangor, Maine 04401 on Saturday, March 19 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Eric Samuelson officiating.
The family prefers memorial donations be made to The Rock Church. Condolences for the family may be offered online at BrookingsSmith.com.