Kenneth R. Newell, 69

CAMPTON — Kenneth R. Newell, 69, of Campton, a "Southie Boy", was embraced by the light on September 26, 2012.

Born on June 19, 1943, in Norwood, MA, he was the son of Raymond K. and Mary (Stellman) Newell. Ken graduated from the South Boston High School; he furthered his education at the Parker House Hotel Chefs Training Program, and earned an associate's degree in Social Services at Simmons College.

Ken spent most of his life working as a head chef for many different restaurants and institutions, some of which include: the Balsams Resort Hotel, as a kosher chef for Camp Tel Noar, of Hampstead, and M.I.T., of Cambridge. During the late 60's through the late 70's Ken worked as a director and coordinator of many different social and mental health programs designed to help those in need with various solutions, he was always trying to help others.

Ken was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping out and fishing, he enjoyed gourmet cooking for family and friends. As an artist, Ken was a talented and creative oil painter; he also built ornamental and structural yard accents. Ken had a green thumb and was a talented horticulturist and arborist; he grew herbs and veggies for cooking, and was a great perennial gardener. A lover of nature and animals, Ken enjoyed feeding and watching his birds that took up residence in his yard. He loved Sunday drives in the White Mountains with his wife Kathleen and loyal dog Cody.

He is predeceased by his cherished sister Carolyn, and daughter Kristen.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of seven years, Kathleen (Foye), of Campton; best friend for over 40 years, Jay Campbell, of Boston; brother, Bobby Newell; sisters, Debbie and Donna; nieces, Dana and Mary Ellen; nephew Frankie; daughter, Heather Caravona and husband Rob; and grandchildren, Kendria Brown, Nick, and Gabrielle; and his nieces with whom he had a close and special relationship with, Jennifer Collins and son Connor, and Suzy Hardy and her children, Kristen and Thomas.

Ken was an old soul who was kind, compassionate, loving, and was always generous to others and was a truly caring man. He was quiet, deep, introspective, and was a great listener. Ken left an imprint on everyone who met him and loved him.

At the request of the family, services for Ken will be private.

Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Meredith and Plymouth are assisting the family with the arrangements. www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com