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Sumner "Ken" Kennard Wiley Jr

Date of Death: September 17, 2015

Date of Birth: June 23, 1930

Biography:

HARPSWELL - The Lord was joined by Sumner Kennard Wiley Jr. (Ken), 85 years young, on Sept 17th 2015. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Ida Moreshead Wiley, his Daughter Sylvia K.Wiley, his son in-law Chris Muth, sister Barbara White, and so many loving nieces and nephews.

He was the most wonderful father and husband.

In 2000, Ken and Ida retired to their ancestral home in Harpswell, Maine after living for 30 years in Cumberland. He was a man of great faith and integrity. He is still very close to his best friend from his University of Maine College years (1948 to 1952), Chet Worthylake. As Chet was quoted saying "He never did anything wrong, he always did the right thing."

Ken Wiley graduated from Newton High School in Massachusetts and then went on to the University of Maine at Orono where he met his wife to be, Ida, in 1949 working in the kitchen cafeteria. He was a fraternity brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and formed a forever friendship with Chet then. He graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1952. Ken and Ida were married a week after their graduation and then Ken went on to serve in the Korean War as a second lieutenant in the Army. They were stationed later in Texas and Louisiana. Ken worked several years for Westinghouse and was instrumental in the development of the first Nuclear Submarine. He then went on to work for General Electric as a Quality Control Engineer. Later in life he branched out to be a Quality Control Consultant, teaching classes at USM and other companies.

When he wasn't working he was an avid sailor, which was the weekend activity in the summer. He and Ida bought their first sail boat in 1962. Many fabulous memories were made on this boat. He always was gardening and his Wife referred to him as a "Gentleman Farmer," raising everything from Pigs, Cattle, Chickens, and his favorite, honey bees. He even helped with his daughter's horses.
Ken believed in giving back so he became part of the literacy program teaching English, he sponsored a child in a faraway country, and helped many charities. Ken was always involved with the church everywhere they lived. Ken served on many committees at the Cumberland Congregational Church, and after retiring to the family home in Harpswell he continued his service to the lord at the Elijah Kellogg Church.

There will be a celebration of his life at the Elijah Kellogg Congregational Church in Harpswell, Maine on Saturday, September 26th at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, Maine 04086, or to www.Heifer.org to honor his love of honey bees and all things farming.