Kenneth Warner Canfield, 92, of Old Lyme and formerly of Wethersfield, passed away on February 26, 2024. Born on December 7, 1931, he lived most of his life in Wethersfield. As a youth, he was an avid farmer, trapper, and builder. At the age of 12 he built his first sailboat in his back yard and honed his love of the water as a member of Wethersfield Sea Scout troop #66. Post Wethersfield High School graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and traveled to the South Pacific during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he enrolled and graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology, during which time he married his wife, Elma Jane Parker Canfield of Newington, who predeceased him in 2014. A career Field Test Engineer for Connecticut Light and Power (Eversource), he also went to night school to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Hartford. Ken was an avid banjo player for most of his life, playing in multiple bands in both CT and FL, including Bill’s Seafood in Westbrook. He earned multiple trophies as a rifle and pistol Marksman, and continued his lifelong building avocation, building a family vacation home on Cape Cod, as well as multiple large and small power and sailboats in his yard. He was a devoted member of the Freemasons and the Shriners International.
Son of the late Katharine Beebe Canfield and Kenneth Clifford Canfield of Wethersfield, he was blessed with two children with his wife, Elma. He will be missed tremendously by his daughter, Barbara Jean (BJ) Canfield Frasca and her husband John Thomas Frasca of MA, his grandchildren Suzanne Frasca and Colin MacEachern, Matthew and Katie Canfield, Thomas and Kasey Frasca, Sarah Canfield and Dan Nizri, Tyler Frasca, and Blake Frasca. He had a special place in his heart for his 6 (almost 7) great grandchildren: Quinn and Grayson MacEachern, Emma and James Canfield, Mia and Mason Nizri, with one more due in June. Long time family friend, Robert Neild will miss him greatly, as well. In addition to his wife, Elma Jane Parker Canfield, he was predeceased by his son, James Merrill Parker Canfield, his grandson, Bryan James Canfield, and his sister, Jean Canfield Hill.
Burial will be private. To extend condolences, please visit FarleySullivan.com. Memorial donations can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in his name.