Obituary of Kenneth Howard Kemp

Kenneth Howard Kemp of Belfast, age 85, passed away on June 5th, 2018 in Rockport. He was born October 8, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Kenneth Joseph and Katherine (Daniels) Kemp. Kenneth grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he began his lifelong love of sailing in the Gulf of Mexico at the age of 10. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a degree in law, and then the University of Denver where he received his Master's in social work. Kenneth practiced social work in Santa Clara, California, developing a program that placed children from troubled families in foster care. Upon retirement he became a commercial salmon fisherman along the Pacific Coast aboard his own salmon fishing boat. Later, Kenneth fulfilled another dream and sailed his 42 ft. ketch from Florida to Maine, via the Inland Waterway. He traveled the world extensively in every way, from caravaning to luxury ocean liners. He moved to Baltimore and then Maine, drawn to these places by his love of sailing. Here he was a seasonal sailor from 2005 to 2012 when he and his wife Barbara became permanent residents and continued sailing as well as gardening. He is predeceased by his parents. Kenneth is survived by his spouse of 14 years Barbara Kemp of Belfast; his children Genevieve Katherine Kemp and husband Stephen Williams of California, Kenneth Edward Kemp of Oregon, Elizabeth Ann Kemp of Washington, Mary K. Muegge and husband Jeff of California; 6 grandchildren; Clara, Lauren, Ben, Robert, Ada and Justin. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Friday June 8th at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Belfast. Those who wish may make a contribution in his memory to the Salvation Army or to the United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Belfast. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com