Obituary for Arthur T. Kiskila
NOTICE – During this time of SOCIAL DISTANCING, we offer those desiring to pay respect to Chief Arthur Kiskila, might do so by standing roadside to witness his funeral procession. Estimated time of departure from the PRIVATE IMMEDIATE FAMILY SERVICE in Rockland is 12:00 Noon, Friday, March 20th. The Funeral Procession will proceed from the intersection of Park and Broad Streets in Rockland, traveling south on Route one to the intersection of Main and Wadsworth Streets in Thomaston, turning left on Wadsworth Street, traveling River Road to Pleasant Point. In compliance of SOCIAL DISTANCING, please DO NOT attempt to join or interrupt the procession.
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In light of the recent developments and recommendations on social distancing and in an effort to keep all members of our community safe and healthy, services for Mr. Arthur Kiskila will now be private.
We appreciate and understand the profound effect Mr. Kiskila had on the Mid-Coast Community, and know that many still wish to share the family’s burden during this time. We encourage all family and friends to leave messages of condolence, as well as view any and all webcasts of the services online.
The funeral service originally planned for Friday, at the Thomaston Baptist Church has been changed to a private family gathering at a different location.
All services for Mr. Kiskila will be webcast and may be viewed on the 'Photos and Videos' tab at the top of this page.
Due to the potential for the increased number of web viewers, please consider watching this video after the ‘live stream time’.
In keeping with Mr. Kiskila’s lifelong work as a first responder, we appreciate all efforts to comply with guidelines and to live, love and respond with kindness and respect.
Questions and webcast assistance may be directed to Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home at 207-594-4212.
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CUSHING – Arthur “Art” Thomas Kiskila, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, after an extended illness.
Born in Rockland, September 19, 1945, he was the son of John E. and Evelyn Simmons Kiskila. Moving to Cushing when he was 7 years old, he attended local schools and was a member of the first class to graduate from Georges Valley High School in 1964.
Following graduation Arthur entered the United States Army and after completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to additional training at Fort Gordon in Georgia and then reported for duty at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. It was at Camp Humphreys that Art completed his three-year enlistment before being honorably discharged and returning home to Maine.
Returning to civilian life he worked one summer at Prock Marine and two years with Marine Colloids, before becoming a Correctional Officer with the Maine State Prison in 1969. While working at Maine State Prison he advanced through the ranks to Sergeant for four years, then a Lieutenant for two years before finally retiring in 1997 as Deputy Warden.
After a 25-year courtship, Arthur married the ‘love of his life’, Susan C. Bodman at their Cushing home, January 1, 1999.
Always active in town affairs, Art became the Director of Emergency Management for the town of Cushing and has served in that capacity since 1972. He also served as the Town Constable for 20 years, and most notably served as Chief of Cushing Fire Department from 1988 to 2019.
A 32-degree Mason, he was member of the Orient Lodge of Masons #15 in Thomaston and held most of the offices of that lodge. Joining the Shriners in 1997, he was selected to be a Potentate Aid. He was not only active with the Mid-Coast and Waldo County Shrine clubs, but was also a member of the American Legion Post 37 in Thomaston, a life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008, and a member of both the Scottish Rites, and York Rites Freemasonry organizations.
During his career Arthur also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, as a Court Officer with the Knox County Court System, and with the Rockland Police Department. He delivered flowers for the former Andrus Flower Shop and medications for Waltz Pharmacy, making friends wherever he went. With his wife, Art was a regular at the Rockland McDonald’s afternoon coffee clan.
Predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard Brewster; Arthur is survived by his wife Susan C. Bodman Kiskila of Cushing; three sisters, Edith Lawler of Saco, Marianne Welch of Cornish, and Shirley Huff of Standish; his nephew Scott Reed of Scarborough; and his step-grandchildren, Tasha, Brianna, and Brandon Bodman.
Private family services with Fire Department honors will be held. Private Interment will be at a later date in Pleasant View Cemetery, Cushing.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cushing Fire Department, 38 Cross Road, Cushing, ME 04563.
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In light of the recent developments and recommendations on social distancing and in an effort to keep all members of our community safe and healthy, services for Mr. Arthur Kiskila will now be private.
We appreciate and understand the profound effect Mr. Kiskila had on the Mid-Coast Community, and know that many still wish to share the family’s burden during this time. We encourage all family and friends to leave messages of condolence, as well as view any and all webcasts of the services online.
The funeral service originally planned for Friday, at the Thomaston Baptist Church has been changed to a private family gathering at a different location.
All services for Mr. Kiskila will be webcast and may be viewed on the 'Photos and Videos' tab at the top of this page.
Due to the potential for the increased number of web viewers, please consider watching this video after the ‘live stream time’.
In keeping with Mr. Kiskila’s lifelong work as a first responder, we appreciate all efforts to comply with guidelines and to live, love and respond with kindness and respect.
Questions and webcast assistance may be directed to Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home at 207-594-4212.
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CUSHING – Arthur “Art” Thomas Kiskila, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, after an extended illness.
Born in Rockland, September 19, 1945, he was the son of John E. and Evelyn Simmons Kiskila. Moving to Cushing when he was 7 years old, he attended local schools and was a member of the first class to graduate from Georges Valley High School in 1964.
Following graduation Arthur entered the United States Army and after completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to additional training at Fort Gordon in Georgia and then reported for duty at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. It was at Camp Humphreys that Art completed his three-year enlistment before being honorably discharged and returning home to Maine.
Returning to civilian life he worked one summer at Prock Marine and two years with Marine Colloids, before becoming a Correctional Officer with the Maine State Prison in 1969. While working at Maine State Prison he advanced through the ranks to Sergeant for four years, then a Lieutenant for two years before finally retiring in 1997 as Deputy Warden.
After a 25-year courtship, Arthur married the ‘love of his life’, Susan C. Bodman at their Cushing home, January 1, 1999.
Always active in town affairs, Art became the Director of Emergency Management for the town of Cushing and has served in that capacity since 1972. He also served as the Town Constable for 20 years, and most notably served as Chief of Cushing Fire Department from 1988 to 2019.
A 32-degree Mason, he was member of the Orient Lodge of Masons #15 in Thomaston and held most of the offices of that lodge. Joining the Shriners in 1997, he was selected to be a Potentate Aid. He was not only active with the Mid-Coast and Waldo County Shrine clubs, but was also a member of the American Legion Post 37 in Thomaston, a life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008, and a member of both the Scottish Rites, and York Rites Freemasonry organizations.
During his career Arthur also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, as a Court Officer with the Knox County Court System, and with the Rockland Police Department. He delivered flowers for the former Andrus Flower Shop and medications for Waltz Pharmacy, making friends wherever he went. With his wife, Art was a regular at the Rockland McDonald’s afternoon coffee clan.
Predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard Brewster; Arthur is survived by his wife Susan C. Bodman Kiskila of Cushing; three sisters, Edith Lawler of Saco, Marianne Welch of Cornish, and Shirley Huff of Standish; his nephew Scott Reed of Scarborough; and his step-grandchildren, Tasha, Brianna, and Brandon Bodman.
Private family services with Fire Department honors will be held. Private Interment will be at a later date in Pleasant View Cemetery, Cushing.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cushing Fire Department, 38 Cross Road, Cushing, ME 04563.