Kenneth L. Bergquist, 93, died Jan. 20. 2018.  He was born in Boothbay Harbor, Maine  July 30, 1924 to his loving parents Elmer and Addie Bergquist.

He had a wonderful Maine childhood, and spent  summers as a youth building log cabins with his father as an apprentice carpenter. He graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School in 1942. He married his first wife, Joyce, and then entered the U.S. Navy and fought in World War II. He was extremely proud  of his service for which he received several medals, and of being part of the liberation of the Philippines from  enemy forces. He was discharged from the Navy in 1945. He and Joyce then moved to Jacksonville, Florida, and later to Fresno, California where he worked on construction. In 1949, he began work as a firefighter at McLellan AFB in Sacramento. Between 1948 and 1958 his four children were born. In 1966, he and his family eventually settled in Loomis, California. In 1977, he retired from his career after 28 years and took a part-time job at Sierra College.

He began traveling, and in 1979 met Julia, who later became his wife. They spent many years between California and Maine until making a permanent home on Sawyer's Island in Boothbay, Maine. He enjoyed many happy years there with their family and many friends. In 2004, they moved to Brunswick, Maine where they lived until Julia's passing in April 2017, after sharing 36 years together.  Ken went to California in May, 2017 and was able to enjoy family and friends until his passing. He is dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his many friends. He will be remembered for his soft, kind, loving, caring spirit and for being a true friend to all. He had a wonderful wit about him and a deep love of music.

Ken is survived by his children: Karen Bergquist, Seattle, Washington; Nancy Holihan (and husband Bob), Rocklin, California; Craig Bergquist (and wife Cristee), Vacaville, California; Scott Bergquist, London, Ohio; stepchildren: Paul Trachik Jr., Brunswick, Maine; Patty Colwell (and husband Patrick) Bath, Maine; Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Ken's and Julia's wishes, there will be a private memorial gathering on Sawyer's Island this summer. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held at noon on Feb. 16, 2018 at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4701 Grove Street, Rocklin, CA 95677, Tel. (916) 624-8185.