Kendall H. Burdin (1946-2010)

WILTON – Kendall H. Burdin, 64, of Wilton, joined his heavenly family on Monday, August 9, 2010. He passed peacefully at home with his loving family by his side.

Born on April 6, 1946, in Skowhegan, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Eleanor (Luce) Burdin. He was also blessed to be loved by the late Tillie Burdin and Elizabeth Burdin. Kendall was raised on the family farm on the South Strong Road. He attended kindergarten through 12th grade at the Strong School, graduating in 1965.

He married Ann Hall on October 11, 1980. Together, they raised their family in Wilton. Kendall was employed as a cement truck driver the last 30 years of his life working first for Dragon Products and then joining Haley Construction in 2006.

Kendall became a firefighter at the age of 16, serving his last 38 years with the Wilton Fire Department. He led the department in various leadership roles ending his career serving as deputy chief. He recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the fire service and his community. He was a member of the Franklin County Firemen’s Association, the Muster Association and the Learn Not To Burn Foundation.

Kendall was a charter member of the Farmington Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also served the lodge in various capacities up to 1981 when he became exalted ruler. He was a member of the Past Exalted Rulers Association.

Kendall enjoyed funny stories, watching Nascar and the Red Sox, family gatherings at Sand Pond and Porter Lake; being a truck driver, coffee with the men group, eating out with Jed and Robin, riding in the red convertible, anything to do with the fire department and especially loved spending time and making memories with his children, grandchildren, wife, extended family and close friends.

Surviving are his wife of almost 30 years, Ann, of Wilton; daughters: Rebecca Scott and her husband, Clifford of Weld; Jana White and her husband, Mark of Norridgewock, Jessica Kline and her husband, Anthony of Auburn; son, David Burdin and his wife, Toni of Gorham; grandchildren: Justin Scott and Olivia White; brothers, Jerold Burdin and his wife, Pat; Robert Burdin and his wife, Trish; James Burdin and his wife, Jolene; and Timothy Burdin and companion, Diane; sister Sandra Yeaton and her husband, Niles, sister-in-law, Jean McManus and husband, Mike. He will be deeply missed by all his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear, close friends.

Kendall was predeceased by his parents, his step-mother, his in-laws, sister Pam Burdin, brothers Richard Burdin and Donald Richards and sister-in-law, Jayne Hall.

Family and friends are invited to attend memorial visitation on Saturday Aug. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton. A public memorial celebration of life service will be held Sunday afternoon, Aug. 15 at 1 p.m. from the Farmington Elks Lodge, West Farmington, with Rev. Dr. Richard Waddell officiating. A reception will follow at the Lodge. All are welcome. Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com. In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts may be given to the Wilton Fire Dept. c/o Stephani Ellis PO Box 710 Wilton, Me. 04294.