RICHMOND - John Edward Kroot, 74, died suddenly at his home on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, after a knock-down, drag-out battle with lung cancer. He was born in Cape Elizabeth on July 30, 1933, the son of the late Samuel and Jean (Ross) Kroot. He was a 1951 graduate of Ellsworth High School. After 12 years with the Army National Guard, John worked in construction for more than 45 years. He was employed by Raymond F. Sargent, Cianbro, Crooker and, most recently, A.H. Grover. After his retirement, he pursued his passion of working with his hands by starting a furniture restoration business. John also enjoyed woodworking, boating, hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling and reading about history, and he loved animals, especially dogs. He was a member of First Congregational Church in Ellsworth. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Kroot of Richmond; his three daughters, Katherine Glad and her husband, Eugene, of East Sumner, Colleen Huntington and her husband, Alan, of West Gardiner, and Carolyn Kroot and her husband, Gregory Small, of Rome; his two sons, Christopher Kroot and his wife, Karin, of Augusta and Craig Kroot and his wife, Janice, of Cumberland; two sisters, Jeanne Kroot of South Portland and Joanne Tolley and her husband, Marvin, of Winter Springs, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Brandon, Christian and Alexander Kroot, Wade and Lance Williams, Allyn and Kenneth Huntington, Anthony Glad and his wife, Tammy, and their daughter, Rayna, and Angelica Bowidowitz and her husband, David, and their daughters, Rebekah and Rachel; along with many nieces and nephews and one cousin. There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of John's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Dresden-Richmond United Methodist Church on Pleasant Street in Richmond. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. For those who wish, donations in John's memory may be made to Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1 Church St., Augusta. www.khrfuneralhomes.com