Kenneth Gregory McGovern

Kenneth G. “Greg” McGovern passed away on November 7, 2024. He was 94. Born on July 31, 1930, in Portland, Maine, Greg was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to John F. and Beatrice (Spears) McGovern.

After graduating from Deering High School in 1948, Greg proudly served in the US Navy for four years, continuing a commitment to service that six of his brothers demonstrated before him. Assigned to various fighter squadrons on several aircraft carriers, including the USS Oriskany, his years in the Navy were perhaps the most formative of his life.

In 1956, Greg married Marlene Mary Langlois of Portland. Following several years in Portland and the birth of their daughter Kelly, they moved to Winslow, where they lived and worked for more than a quarter century. The birth of a son, Ken, rounded out the family.

Known as “Captain Nice” by many of his customers, Greg spent nearly 40 years as a pharmaceutical salesman calling on independent drug stores and hospital pharmacies across much of Maine. Following his retirement in 1995, and a relocation to southern Maine, he worked for Avis Rent A Car at the Portland Jetport for an additional 24 years, retiring for a second time in 2019 at age 89.

Greg loved the outdoors, especially the woods, rivers, and lakes of Maine where he hunted and fished. In 1959, with his brother Bill and two closest friends, he built “Hunting Camp,” in Gilead. Still standing and well looked after to this day, Hunting Camp was Greg’s sanctuary from a hectic world.

Greg is survived by Marlene, his wife of 68 years; his daughter Kelly McGovern Shaw and her husband Bob of Falmouth; and his son Ken and his wife Michelle of North Vancouver, British Columbia. His four grandsons, Ben Shaw (Falmouth), Cameron Shaw (Auburn) and his wife Sage, Declan McGovern (Victoria, BC) and Mark McGovern (North Vancouver, BC), meant the world to him, and he was actively engaged in each of their lives. Greg is also survived by his sister Jean LaConte of Westbrook, as well as many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Special gratitude is extended to Greg’s loving caregivers at the Inn at Atlantic Heights in Saco, where Greg and Marlene settled in 2023. Their compassion, guidance, and humor were ever present and always valued, especially during Greg’s final days. They demonstrate so well that there are angels among us.

A graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. A celebration of life will be held in early 2025.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to view Greg’s tribute page and to sign his online guestbook.