Kenneth Tozier Jr., obituary

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 8:45am

UNITY — Kenneth "Babe" E. Tozier, Jr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at the VA Togus Springs in Augusta, ME. Babe was born in Lynn, MA, on March 1, 1930, to Kenneth and Evelyn (McGrath) Tozier, Sr., but spent the majority of his 87 years living in Unity, ME. His life was filled with family, friends, hard work, and laughter. He attended Unity Grammar School and graduated from Unity High School. He served in the US Army from 1948 to 1949 and was called back in 1950 for the Korean War, where he served in the 2nd Division Combat Engineer Battalion until 1951. He was the owner of Tozier Construction Company and Tozier Real Estate Agency. Babe was a founder of Unity College and built the original dormitories and the gymnasium complex. He served three terms in the Maine State Legislature from 1974 to 1980. He was an avid antique car enthusiast. He loved flying and held a private and commercial pilot license. He had perfected the art lying in the hammock at the family camp.

Babe will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kay Fernald Tozier of Unity, ME; daughter Deirdre Nash and husband Daniel of Auburn, NH; son Joel Tozier and wife Nancy of Sidney, ME; and daughter Susan Tozier of Raymond, NH. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Amelia and Meredith Nash, their significant others, Michael Gross and Nicholas Laliberte, and Shelby and Benjamin Tozier. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Tozier Owen and long-time companion Kenneth Phelps of Largo, FL; brother Frank Tozier of Augusta, ME; brother-in-law James Fernald and wife Sally of Troy, ME; brother-in-law Stephen Fernald and wife Barrie of Troy, ME; and special nieces and nephews and their families. Babe had many, many friends. His knowledge, humor, and signature giggle touched the lives of all that knew him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Babe's life on Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Tozier Gymnasium at Unity College in Unity ME. Visiting will be from 2:00-4:00pm, with a service at 4:00pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Unity College (90 Quaker Hill Road Unity ME 04988 or www.unity.edu), where a scholarship fund will be set up in Babe's honor. Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ripostafh.com.