ROCKLAND — Kenneth J. Cote completed his spiritual journey on earth on October 10, 2024, in the way he would have desired, under the big red maple, asleep in his truck.

Ken was born in Bangor, June 25, 1953, to Leo and Melva Cote of Otis. Ken grew up alongside his loving cousin Kent, who was more of a brother than a cousin along with his wife Linda Commeau, and late cousin JC Crosby. He graduated from Bangor High School and went on to work for Bangor Hydro. He then became a general contractor, a jack of all trades, taking great pride in his workmanship.

Ken met Sonya Myers, the love of his life who he referred to as his wife, in 1997. He spent the rest of his life with her and cherished her very much. He had a passion for motorcycles since his early adulthood, and they took riding trips all over the state, making lasting memories. In recent times they have become much more grateful for the simple things in life that made them happy.

Many of you have probably seen Ken’s truck around town as he made his many rides. As his daughter Ashley would say, “If Dad can’t fix it or accomplish the task, it is not attainable.” Ken’s most recent job opportunity allowed him to create and run a business with his son Dustin, who always made him so very proud.

Ken was truly a superhero, defeating multiple odds to make sure he stayed around for his family and friends.

Living with Multiple Myeloma for over 14 years, he was labeled the poster child of the cancer center. Ken often said that the doctors and God attended different schools but came together to keep him going. He lived by his words of wisdom, let go and let God, and his resilience, bravery, faith, and ambition were beyond measure. He never stopped working until his very last day.

Those who knew Ken were aware of how much his sobriety meant to him, as it wasn’t just an accomplishment but a way of life. He celebrated 37 years sober on July 30, 2024.

Ken made it his purpose in life to give back what was so freely given to him. We all looked up to Ken for the ways he was able to help and touch an immense number of people throughout his life. His family has been astounded by how many people have come forward to share the impact Ken had on their lives. It is apparent that he was with us all for a very special purpose. Ken was the rock and glue to his family, and the person we all found solace in. Ken was known for telling it like it is and had a way of helping those around him to realize truths we always knew but couldn’t find. Ken had a way of making others feel seen, heard, validated, loved, and supported. He would often say that the best gift you can give anyone is time, and he gave his time more freely than anyone else, with an open door any time of day or night.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, as well as Sonya’s dad George Myers Jr., whom he always called Dad, and his cousin JC Crosby.

He is survived by: the love of his life, Sonya Myers; his amazing children, Dustin Cote, Ashley Deabler and her partner VJ Ceccola, Amber Cote and her partner Casey Nash, Kimberly Cote, Kenny Cote, Anthony Cote and his wife Sylvie; his grandchildren, Layla, Lyric, Althea, Brandon, Chloe, Sadie, Nehemiah, Zachary, and Noah; Sonya’s family which he thought of as his own, Elaine (who he called mum,) Sonya’s sisters, Kayla Meyers French and her husband Jeff French, and Whitney Myers and her partner Dallas Roberts, and their children, Aikyn Eloise, Kameron, and Austin. Ken had an amazing village, consisting of both his large family and all his amazing friends he thought of as family. There are too many to list, but they are forever in our hearts.

Although Ken has now moved on to a more peaceful place and left many heavy hearts, he lives on within all of us. He gave all of himself to those fortunate enough to be loved by him, leaving behind a meaningful long-lasting legacy, with his soul being present to guide all his loved ones that he left too soon.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date once the family has had time to process and heal privately.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.