Kenneth Allen Tupper, 71, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2023, at the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough. Ken was born in Portland on Sept. 25, 1951, the son of Donald and Charlotte (Shibles) Tupper.

Ken attended schools in Falmouth, grades K-7, and Lewiston, grades 8-11. One month prior to the start of Senior year, Ken's parents moved to South Portland. He attended and graduated from South Portland while traveling often to Lewiston to visit friends and attend school events.

Following High School, Ken entered military service in the Army. In 1971, he was stationed in Germany for 2 ½ yrs. He was Honorably discharged, and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1983.

In 1980, Ken joined the SMTC Machinist Apprentice Program, apprenticing at Honeycomb Industries in Biddeford. He continued his education at SMTC, earning his Journeyman License. Ken remained employed with Honeycomb Industries for 17 years and continued working as a machinist until 2008. After leaving the workforce, Ken enjoyed working outdoors around his home.

Ken met Joyce in December 1979 at Service Merchandise when she was working as a cashier during the holiday season. They connected during the company Christmas party when he asked her to dance. They were married June 20, 1981 on top of the bunker at Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth, where Ken had proposed. On many a hot, humid summer eve they could be found at Two Lights enjoying Italian sandwiches, the ocean breezes and watching boats sailing.

In 1986, with two young sons in tow, Ken and Joyce built a new home in Scarborough where they remained for 35 years.

Ken was active in the Boys Scouts of America and a member of First Congregational Church while living in Scarborough. He enjoyed attending various activities the boys participated in.

Ken enjoyed traveling, the best ever being the 2001 Germany trip to celebrate his 50th birthday and 20th wedding anniversary. He also enjoyed family camping trips in Maine with the pop-up camper, and treks around eastern states. As "Papa" to his 3 grandchildren, vacations with family were the highlight of the year.

Ken was predeceased by: parents Donald and Charlotte Tupper, sister Carol Googins.

Ken is survived by Joyce (Cloutier) Tupper, his wife of 41 years; son Kevin of Colorado; son Brian, wife Raychel Vega and their 3 children, Charlotte-Marie, Alexander and Maxwell, of Massachusetts; sister Susan Slocum, husband Lloyd, of North Carolina; nephews Christopher Googins, wife Carrie, of Massachusetts; Benjamin Davenny, wife Elizabeth, of Massachusetts; niece Amy Gorsky, husband Paul, of North Carolina. Also survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, all treasured.

Ken was lovingly cared for many years by his wife Joyce, during his long battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia and Parkinsons. He departed the Veterans' Home with a respectful sendoff by the Honor Guard residents and staff. Ken's family will forever be grateful for the care provided by the incredible staff on Unit-C of the Veterans' Home during the last 6 months of Ken's life.

To aid in Scientific Research of Lewy Bodies Dementia with the assistance of the Brain Donor Project, Ken's brain was donated to the Harvard Brain and Tissue Resource Center.

Sincere gratitude to Dr Philip Kowash, of SMHC Family Practice, Saco and to Dr Marissa Ryan of Ryan Dental Partner, So Portland for the essential medical and dental care during Ken's decline.

Family will gather in May to honor Ken when his ashes are interred at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery.