Kenneth Edward Pine, a devoted husband, father, friend and patriot, peacefully left the arms of his wife at their home in Holland, VT and entered his eternal home on May 19, 2026.  Ken was born July 30, 1948, in Chicago, IL, to the late Jack and Eleonore (Reinert) Pine.  He was also predeceased by his eldest brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Donna Pine of Kenosha, Wisconsin, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a dear nephew, Jonathan.

After moving from Chicago as an infant, Ken grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in Cornucopia, Wisconsin.  Growing up surrounded by the beauty of the great Northwoods, Ken developed a deep appreciation for nature, hard work, and community. After graduating from Port Wing High School, he entered the U.S. Navy where he reached the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.  His military service took him to assignments in Guam, Alaska, Florida, Washington, D.C., Italy, Germany, and Scotland. While stationed in Scotland, Ken was proud to coach the RAF Edzell tug-o-war team who, under his leadership, became one of the top ten military teams in the United Kingdom and was invited to participate in the prestigious Braemar Gathering with the Royal Family in attendance. Ken was happy in recent days to reconnect digitally with many friends from this time in the military.

During his military service, he also earned a Bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Maryland.  After a distinguished military career, he retired from the Navy in 1987 and continued to serve his country working as a contractor for the Department of Defense.

Being nearly 40 years old at retirement, Ken doubted he would marry or have a family of his own, but God had other plans.  In 1989, while under contact with the U.S. Army, Ken met and married his Barbie.  He proposed on their second date, and they were married after a brief courtship.  Ken joked that he didn't have time to waste.  They were blessed with four wonderful children, and he was so proud of each of them. Barbara survives him along with their children: Victoria Hoppe and her husband, Jeffrey of Middletown, OH; Seth Pine and his partner, Noa Leibowitz of Brooklyn, NY; Grace Pine and her husband Jacob Pelletier of Machias, ME; Jack Wilson Pine, and his fiancé Meredith-Grace Raymond-Currier of Pensacola, FL. Ken leaves behind his dear brothers, Jack Michael Pine, and his wife, Jana of Aurora, CO, Daniel Pine and his wife, Stephani of Wasilla, AK and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ken's life focus was greatly impacted by a near-death boating accident in the Gulf of Mexico. From that point forward he dedicated the time he had left to pleasing God by serving others even more generously. He was a humble servant to anyone who knew him.  During his many years of faithful service to Newport Baptist Church, United Christian Academy, Boy Scouts, or the Holland Food Shelf, he could always be counted on and would be found working behind the scenes doing anything that needed doing.  His generosity extended beyond church and local community through many larger organizations such as Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.

Ken was a passionate lover of the natural world with a vast knowledge of plants and animals. In his free time, Ken took every opportunity to be in nature through camping, fishing, visiting a zoo, aquarium, or museum. He loved imparting his fascination of the wild world and his love of fishing to others.  He taught Barb to cast a fly rod in the backyard on their second date and has taught all of his children the joys of fishing.  He was never afraid to spend good money on fishing equipment if it meant fostering the love of the sport in others.

Ken loved for others to succeed. He was a man of few words, but never stingy with encouragement. He took delight in doing all he could to promote success in those around him.  He provided cameras, fishing gear, hand tools, sewing tools, and a myriad of other gadgets to help others flourish.  He was a tremendous cheerleader.

Ken was especially grateful to his caregivers at the end that, in his words, "Came just at the right time." The Pine family extends their heartfelt thanks for the many kindnesses shown during Ken's illness and the overwhelming support following his passing.  They are especially grateful for the extraordinary care provided to Ken and the family by Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice during his final months.

Please join the family and community for a celebration of life on September 5th at 11:00 a.m. at the East Side Restaurant, 47 Landing Street, Newport, VT.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the following organizations:

The Holland Food Shelf

1031 Whittier Road

Derby Line, VT 05830

Special Olympics

1-800-380-3071

Habitat for Humanity

1-800-HABITAT

Orleans Essex VNA and Hospice

802-334-5213