Kenneth R. Openshaw, 81, of Holden, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on March 21, 1935 in Worcester, the first of his siblings to be born in a hospital. He was one of six children, and as a child he loved nature and playing outside. He attended Commerce High School, he served in the United States Army, and trained to become an electrician, a career he completely loved. He was a faithful member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than sixty years.

He married the love of his life Dot on September 21, 1957, and they raised their five children together in Leicester and West Boylston. He and Dot shared a deep appreciation for their children’s love and loyalty and for the love and support of their nine grandchildren.

He dedicated his life to giving and to doing for others. He was extremely active in his church, serving as a trustee, lay leader and superintendent of Sunday School. He became active in 4-H with his children, and chaired the Worcester County 4-H Camp Center Committee. He was always helping someone with something throughout his life.

Ken loved travel, boating, fishing, woodworking, painting, and sculpture; and he honored so many with gifts of his crafts. He loved to sing, and even when his voice was failing he could share a line of a favorite hymn or Billy Joel Song. He had a never-ending smile, even in the most challenging times, coupled with a quick wit and most excellent sense of humor. His home in Maine, which he and Dot built together with family and friends, was a beautiful respite for them both.

He is survived by his devoted wife Dorothy; his children Lorraine Kiristis and her husband Sam of Dudley; Deborah Callwood and her companion David Matthias of Tortola, BVI; Christine Tempesta and her husband Joseph of Braintree; Kenneth Openshaw and his wife Ginny of Spencer; and James Openshaw and his wife Ann of Holden. He had great love for his grandchildren Lorraine, Jacob, Arthur, Elizabeth, Eric, James, Laura, Kenny and Caitlyn. His brother Norman predeceased him, and he is survived by his siblings Carolyn Bartek, May Pearson, William Openshaw, and Donald Openshaw. He was adored as Uncle Ken to many nieces and nephews whose admiration meant so much to him. His canine companion Megan will miss dearly watching over him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18th at the Oakdale United Methodist Church, 15 N Main St., West Boylston. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park,. Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Oakdale United Methodist Church, Choir Fund, 15 North Main Street, West Boylston, MA 01583 or the Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton, Maine, 04009.