St. Petersburg, Florida - Ken Proctor passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at 66 years of age, with his true love of 43 years, Sandy, holding his hand, just as she had for so many of life's adventures. Born in Durham, NC, to Harris and Jane Proctor, he is survived by his wife, Sandy; and his two brothers, Edward and Thom (Pam), all of whom meant the world to him.

He enjoyed growing up in Durham and Davidson, NC, and traveling to England and Africa with his family. After graduating from UNC, Ken worked at Highland Hospital in Ashville, made life-long friends, and grew to love the mountains.

Ken met Sandy at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve 1981, and he never looked back. Ken and Sandy lived 8 years in Greensboro, NC, where he worked at Replacements, LTD, working from packing china to becoming vice president. They spent two years in Lawrence, Kansas, where Ken worked for the Federal Reserve Bank. In 1991, they moved to Bangor, where Ken worked at Bangor Mental Health Institute, and Sandy began her teaching and research career at the University of Maine.

After earning an MBA at Husson University, Ken enjoyed a long career in administration and human resources, spending his last 15 working years in his favorite job with the incredible people of Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. They enjoyed the rugged beauty of Maine for more than 25 years, later spending summers on their beloved Heart Pond in Orland.

Ken and Sandy loved the mountains of NC and traveled there often - Asheville, Black Mountain, and Montreat. His parents retired to Highland Farms in Black Mountain and Ken loved to see them in such an idyllic place.

Ken and Sandy retired to St. Petersburg, FL, in 2014, where they enjoyed sunny winters and cherished new friends. And, he felt fortunate to be able to travel back and forth to their cabin in Maine for many peaceful summers with old friends. He loved the outdoors, and spent his time walking, cycling, and kayaking whenever possible. Ken and Sandy also loved international travel, visiting more than 30 countries, where they often stayed for a month or more to fully appreciate the culture and people, as well as the food and drink of course. It was always an adventure. Many thanks to his good friend, Tracy, for showing him the benefits of becoming a traveler instead of a tourist.

Ken faced metastatic breast cancer with the same strength, humor, and pragmatism that he carried through life. "While I knew that cancer was taking me away too early, I always felt as though it had been a good life. Sandy was my best friend and love, there for me during good times and bad. With her by my side, I felt like the luckiest man alive."

At his request, there will be no services. Ken asks instead that people raise a glass to his memory, if inclined, and perhaps consider contributing to a charity that will help improve the lives of people everywhere. One of his favorites is Edesia Nutrition (edesianutrition.org), an organization dedicated to ending malnutrition in children around the world.

Ken lived fully, laughed often, and left behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and adventures. He'd want us to remember him with joy, and a plan for the next great adventure - just as he always did.