NEWRY – Ken Hotopp passed away in the early hours of June 7th, 2019. Ken died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 58, having survived two years since his diagnosis with the disease. Despite the difficulty of contending with an aggressive cancer, Ken never failed to make those around him laugh and feel loved. Ken passed away at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine. His family is thankful for the care provided by the staff at the hospice house during Ken’s stay.
Ken was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 30th, 1960. Ken’s family moved to Cobleskill, New York when he was young. Ken spent his childhood roaming through forests and farm fields, the beginning of his lifelong love of the outdoors. His skill as an artist was also apparent from a young age, and he spent days sketching and painting his surroundings. Ken graduated from Cobleskill High School in 1978. Carrying his interest in the natural world into his studies, Ken graduated in 1982 from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse NY. He went on to earn a M.S. degree from SUNY, Albany in 1987.
Ken met his love and adventure partner, Robin Gorrell, in Kennebunk, Maine in the summer of 1987. Two years later they were married and moved together to the Appalachian Mountains of Frostburg, Maryland. Ken worked as a biologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program from 1990-1997. Later in his career, Ken started Appalachian Conservation Biology, a consulting business specializing in the ecology and conservation of land snails. Ken, Robin, and daughters Marian and Alice canoed, hiked, and cross-country skied wild places from West Virginia to Ontario, Canada. The family moved to Bethel, Maine in 2005.
Ken was a fierce defender of wilderness and the climate, working locally to protect natural places and participating in actions against climate change. As a part of their effort to reduce impact on the environment, Ken and Robin built and lived in a passive-solar home in Newry, Maine.
Ken is survived by his loving parents Marian Manion Hotopp and Kenneth Robert Hotopp; his siblings Grace, Margaret, and Matthew Hotopp; his adored wife Robin Gorrell; and his daughters Marian and Alice Hotopp.
Next time you are outside, remember Ken by noticing moose tracks in the mud, insects pollinating wildflowers in bloom, and snails living under the bark of a downed tree.
All are welcome to Ken’s celebration of life on June 22nd from 4-8pm. The celebration will be held at the Mountain House on Sunday River, 761 Sunday River Road, Newry Maine, 04261. Please bring food or drink to share.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Ken’s honor to the Mahoosuc Land Trust at 162 North Road, P.O. Box 981, Bethel ME 04217 or to UNICEF https://www.unicefusa.org/.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com