ROCKLAND – Kurt R. Meklin, 81, died peacefully June 7, 2015, at home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Owls Head on Dec. 22, 1933, he was the son of Gosta and Elin Karlsson Meklin. Educated in Thomaston, he was a 1953 graduate of Thomaston High School.

Following high school Kurt enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving proudly in Germany during the late 1950s. Returning to Rockland after being honorably discharged, Kurt poured his energy into building his home on West Meadow Road. After finishing it in 1970, Kurt lived in this home his entire life.

He was very clever, and could build anything he put his mind to. He was especially proud to have built not only his home, but also a boat, tractor, lawn roller - which he used to roll lawns he mowed each spring - and a snowmobile. His snowmobile was once featured in the local paper as one of the first in our area.

His family said he could fix anything. He spent most of his working career as a machinist, working for Amo Rivers, Rockland Leathers and later Crowe Rope. In each of these companies he was charged with repairing any of the machines when they went down. It was a job he did well. He was a hard worker and always kept busy. Even after retirement, he worked driving trucks for his brother at Meklin Construction.

On July 4, 1983, Kurt married his best friend, Brenda Dyer, at his home in Rockland. Together they have enjoyed many happy times. They took particular joy in traveling to local fairs throughout the state.

Kurt loved his family. He often played Santa Clause at Christmas, convincing his nieces, nephews and more recently, grandchildren, to behave by peering in their windows on Christmas Eve. Kurt also had a special place in his heart for his two dogs, Cody and Mya.

He was a fantastic gardener, planting beautiful vegetable gardens each year. Cucumbers, beets and tomatoes were his specialty. He loved sharing the harvest with his sister and others for canning.

Being outdoors was one of his greatest passions. Whether camping at Lily Bay in Moosehead with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling or snowmobiling in the Bog, he was happiest outside and on the go.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his brother, Donald Meklin; a brother-in-law, Forrest Hooper; and a son-in-law, Scott Knowlton; Kurt is survived by his wife, Brenda Meklin of Rockland; his son, Bryon Meklin and his wife, Ellen, of Waterboro; his daughter, Sharon Knowlton of Thomaston; his step-daughter, Teresa Dyer of Camden; his brother, Oke Meklin and his wife, Susan, of Warren; his sister, Barbara Hooper of Warren; seven grandchildren, Leah, Sarah, Gordon, Michael, Michelle, Dustin and Ashley; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and cousins in New York and Finland.

Private interment will be held at Village Cemetery in Thomaston at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant St., Rockland, ME 04841.

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