Fort Kent--- Kenneth Plourde, 97, passed away peacefully March 31, 2025, in Fort Kent.  He was born on September 17, 1927 in Eagle Lake, a son of the late Pascal and Sonya (Dube) Plourde, and attended elementary school in Fort Kent.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America during his younger years. Because of his strong work ethic, he began working at an early age of 16 to help provide for his parents and siblings. In later years, Ken proudly served in the US Army during World War II in Germany, where he was assigned with many duties: mail clerk, truck and bus driver for Army personnel, band member, and Sergeant in the tank unit. He received a certificate from the Army for his impeccable driving without ever having an accident.

Upon his discharge, Ken returned to Fort Kent to continue working and driving for Cole's Express Co. for over 44 years. During that time, he received many driver safety awards.

In 1949, Ken married Rolande Guy. They spent many summers with their children enjoying camp life on Eagle Lake while fishing, boating, waterskiing, and watching the Red Sox.

Ken was very active in many organizations in the area: Catholic order of Foresters-75 years, Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degree- 70 years, and a life member of the VFW and American Legion. Truly Ken was a caregiver for his community serving as a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years, ten years serving as assistant fire chief and 13 years as a part time EMT volunteer with Fort Kent Ambulance Service.

He was an avid bowler, square dancer, expert pool player, card player, golfer, and a terrific drummer, playing at many weddings and VFW events in Fort Kent and Florida.

After Rolande's passing Ken met and married Kathleen Heil, the other love of his life. They spent 26 winters together in Ellenton, FL. Both took part in community activities and events. Ken made many close friends and traveled to many places, including Europe. In 2017 they returned to Fort Kent to be closer to family.

He will be deeply missed by his children, Anne (Rusty) Taylor of Houlton, Roger (Sandy) Plourde of St. Lazare, Quebec, Bill (Marie) Plourde of Fort Kent, Allen (Sheila) Plourde of Cape Elizabeth, and stepdaughter, Christina (Dennis) Bush of Nashville, MI. Ken is also survived by one sister, Maxine Boucher of Caribou; one brother Carl (Emily) Plourde of Plantsville, CT; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Ken was predeceased by his first wife, Rolande (Guy) Plourde in 1987, his second wife, Kathleen (Gibbons) Plourde, in 2019, sons Dana and Steven Plourde; three sisters, Claudelle, Carlene, and Linda; and a brother, Nelson.

Ken's family will dearly miss him and will remember the wonderful times they shared with him. A kind-hearted and hard-working father and friend, he always thought of others first. The family wishes to give thanks to the Northern Light Hospice Care, to his caring niece, Frances Labrie, and a special thank you to Ken's son, Bill and his wife Marie, for taking great care of Ken in his last years. Ken is now in God's comfort.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at St. Louis Church, Fort Kent, with military honors. Relatives and friends may greet the family Monday evening 6 – 8:00 PM at Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home, 14 E. Main St., Fort Kent. Spring interment will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ken's memory to the Fort Kent Fire Department.