ROCKLAND - Clifford Benjamin Burkett, Jr. died peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Monday, September 25, 2017. Nicknamed Kip, he was born in Camden on October 22, 1928, the son of Clifford and Jessie Burkett.

After graduating from Camden High School, Kip served for two years with the U.S. Army occupation forces in Japan. He then went on to Springfield College, earning a degree in education. He married Lorraine Perry on August 17, 1952, with whom he recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in a surprising and wonderful way!

Kip was both a teacher and coach at Washburn High School for three years, followed by eight years as the school's principal. He earned his Master's degree in five summers at the University of Maine in Orono. He then became the principal at Fort Kent Community High School from 1963 – 1974. He next took the principal's position for two years at Rockland District High School, then served as the chairman of the Rockland School Board for nine years. He also held executive positions with the Maine State Principal's Association. After retiring from education, he enjoyed working at Coffin's Clothing Store in Rockland. Beyond the school systems, he served his towns through the Rotary Club.

With his well-known sense of humor, Kip was a fun-loving and fantastic father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Along with being a life-long golfer (and a very good one at that), he served numerous terms on the board of directors at both the Fort Kent and Rockland clubs. He was a gifted athlete, both playing and coaching teams in baseball, basketball, and golf. He was also a loyal fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins. He enjoyed bowling in local leagues, and was an eight decade cribbage enthusiast. And after tasting his first Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano cookie in the fall of 1974, he ate a bag (15 cookies) per day for the next 40 years!

Kip is survived by his wife Lorraine, his son Steve and wife Donna, his daughter Alane and husband Paul Dostie, and his son Larry. He was blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who absolutely adored him! He is also survived by his sister Nancy and her husband Ben Paradis, and their five sons. He was predeceased by his brother Jerry.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 29, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, in Rockland from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. His memorial service will be at Grace Bible Fellowship, 30 Sherer Lane in Rockland on Saturday, September 30, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Fort Kent Rotary Club, C/O Ben Paradis, 388 West Sise Road, Cross Lake Township, ME 04779 or Rockland Rotary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box1811, Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a memory or story with Kip's family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.