LIMERICK- Keith Nelson Mead, aged 87 of Limerick, passed away at home on September 11, 2020 surrounded by his family. Born in Roxbury, New York in 1933, he was the son of the late Irvin and Dorothy Mead.
After growing up on the family farm he entered into military service in 1952, serving in Korea. At the conclusion of his deployment he returned home, fell in love, and married his sweetheart, Joanna Van Dyke.
He went on to become an ROTC instructor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the University of Hawaii.
While stationed in Hawaii in the early 1960’s, both Keith and Joanna took to the skies earning their pilot’s licenses; an exciting diversion from the everyday.
While stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, he attended Nuclear Power Plant Operator School. Following that, he participated in the conversion of the Sturgis, a WWII Liberty Ship, into the first floating nuclear power station.
While still on active duty he was encouraged to finish his education. Always a lover of the written word, he entered into the University of Maine earning his degree in English literature.
Next he was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he worked in the nuclear medicine department as the supervisor maintaining the safety protocols of nuclear medicine.
In 1966, Keith and Joanna purchased a home in Limerick, Maine where the family established a home base to enjoy during vacations and extended stays. Upon his retirement from military service in 1977, he and Joanna moved their family to become permanent residents of Maine.
The first few years that followed were spent travelling around the county as a contracted health radiation safety specialist during periodic nuclear power plant shutdowns. While at home in Limerick, he was instrumental in assisting several of his six children build their homes while also building with Joanna, a new home of their own.
Keith’s outward persona was quiet and contemplative. He always took great delight in the antics of his children, often joining in. In his leisure he was an avid reader. Later in life he became interested in his Scottish heritage and was actively involved in Scottish festivals. He enjoyed attending the horse shows at local agricultural fairs.
Keith is survived by his loving wife Joanna of 65 years; his sister, Sylvia Blakeslee; his six children: Stephen, Judith, Kevin, Christopher, Timothy, and Mathew; eleven grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.
He will be interred in the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine. Due to COVID there will be a private family only service.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Army Emergency Relief Fund, https://www.aerhq.org/Donate .
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com
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