North Baldwin - Norman D. McKenney, 92, entered the gates of Heaven on February 27, 2021, joining his beloved wife Pearl, daughter Jean, grandson Michael’s open arms, along with many other family members and friends. He would have arrived sooner but he was holding out for the Boston Post Cane and to take out his nomination papers for Selectmen.
Norman was born on April 13, 1928 at the family dairy farm on Murch Road in North Baldwin. He was the eldest and only son born to Dennis and Ada McKenney. At the age of 9, Norman became a leader very quickly when his father took sick. Alongside his grandfather, Joe Murch, he milked cows and delivered milk throughout Baldwin and Sebago. He was summoned by his grandfather, Joe, to learn how to drive the Dodge pickup milk delivery truck at this age with very specific instructions to “stay between the stonewalls”. Later his driving skills would become very intricate in the family dairy route as one of their delivery customers was Barnes’ Store, known as Jordan’s Store today, located in East Sebago. Upon delivery of milk, Norman was told by his grandfather Joe to “stay in the truck and get in the driver's seat”. After the milk delivery was made, the store owner Lowell Barnes Sr. and Joe would be out back of the store “discussing politics and having high tea”. Grandpa Joe would slowly make his way to the passenger seat and was driven home by Norman.
In 1947 Norman graduated from Potter Academy where he met his future wife Pearl Ann Brown of Hogfat Hill Road, Sebago. Following the Fires of 1947, in 1948 Norman became a charter member of the North Baldwin Volunteer Fire Company. He served as fire chief, secretary, and treasurer and was the last charter member alive as of his date of passing. Norman was a strong advocate of town fire protection. Norman also served as Town Fire Warden for many years.
In 1957, the milk route was sold and the family entered into the poultry business working as subcontractors for Cohen Brothers. Norman raised over 10,000 broilers as well as drove the delivery truck to Revere, Massachusetts where the chickens were delivered and blessed by a Jewish Rabbi prior to harvesting. Norman recalled a time when they were unable to get back to Maine due to a blizzard. Norman called home to Pearl and told her that they wouldn’t be coming home that night due to the conditions. Norman and his laborer reluctantly slept in the butcher house for the night.
In 1963 he began driving the North Baldwin bus route with his own bus for Potter Academy. He eventually began working for the local School Union, now known as Sacopee Valley. Norman was a custodian at Baldwin Consolidated School from 1960-2007. He was a foundation to the school and impacted many children and teachers through the years. He continued to attend the annual get togethers with his “Baldwin School Girls”. The teachers at Baldwin were a one of a kind bunch and he loved every one of them to no end. He will miss his Summer outings at Mary Cobb’s home.
In 1973 Norman began his career in local town politics becoming a selectman for the Town of Baldwin and for the next 39 consecutive years he successfully ran for reelection every 3 years. Informally known as the “Mayor of Baldwin”, Norman served as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. He was also involved in the beginnings of the Tri-Town Transfer Station in Hiram also known to people as the “dump”. Norman was a strong believer of local government and grassroots involvement dedicating more than half of his life to public service. Town meetings were very important to Norman and at the age of 92 still attended them, mostly stealing the show in the beginning of the articles and his grand departure.
Norman and his wife Pearl managed and maintained Camp Winaco for Boys in Convene/Sebago, Maine for over 25 years. Norman was head caretaker/manager which basically meant he did just about everything with lots of help from his family. Pearl ran the kitchen but truth be told Pearl ran the show. In 1993 Norman, along with his son Steven and grandson Ben, founded Grandpa Joe’s Sugar House. Norman became a valued member of the business serving in positions as Official Greeter, Foreman, Sap Hauler and Chairman of the Board. In 2021 Norman received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maine Maple Producers Association.
Norman is predeceased by his beloved wife Pearl; daughter Jean and grandson Michael. He is survived by his sons, Steven McKenney of North Baldwin and Phillip Burbank and wife Ada of Newfield; a sister, Marcia McKenney of North Baldwin; son-in-law William Moore of Fryeburg; 5 grandchildren: Melissa Walker and partner Adam of North Baldwin, Matthew Sanborn and wife Amanda of North Baldwin, Benjamin McKenney and wife Jennifer of North Baldwin, Mitchell Sanborn of West Baldwin and Jeremy Burbank and partner Sara Coffin of Newfield; 7 great grandchildren: Jacob Sanborn and wife Cassidy of North Baldwin, Justin Walker of North Baldwin, Danica Sanborn and Garrett Sanborn of North Baldwin, Emma McKenney and Myla McKenney of North Baldwin, Melody Higgins of West Baldwin; and a great-great granddaughter, Olivia Sanborn of North Baldwin.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Northern Light Home Care and Hospice for their compassion and support that Norman received while in their care.
Norman's services will be announced later in the spring. Arrangements are respectfully handled by Poitras, Neal and York Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mainefuneral.com.
Family and community were the heart and soul of Norman. In lieu of flowers, Norman’s wishes were that donations be made to the Baldwin Community Auxiliary in his memory. Donations can be sent to Baldwin Community Auxiliary, PO Box 121, East Baldwin, ME 04024.