WINTHROP ? Kenneth Erwin Knowles, 85, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at his home on Lakeview Avenue. He was born in Brewer, July 4, 1917, the son of Lyndon and Mattie (Raven) Knowles. Mr. Knowles was a graduate of Edward Little High School, class of 1934. He was employed by H.P. Hood & Sons for several years, and soon after high school, May 14, 1938, he married Edith Perkins in Auburn. His employment was interrupted in 1945, when he was drafted into the Army, serving 14 months in Italy in the Army of Occupation. When he returned home, he continued working for H.P. Hood & Sons until starting his own sawmill business, Knowles Lumber Co., in 1950. After his retirement in 1983, Ken took up the game of golf. It wasn't long after he learned to play that he won the Senior's Twighlight League Tournament. Until three years ago, he also enjoyed skiing with friends Roger Audette and Morris Towle, and even did some skiing on his vacation in the French Alps. A 32nd degree Mason, Ken was a member of the Kora Temple Shrine. His hobbies, among others, included hunting and fishing at his camps at Moosehead Lake, Thompson Lake and Gun Point in Harpswell. He was a very generous man with a wonderful sense of humor. Of all the aspects of his life that he enjoyed talking about and telling stories of, nothing came close to the love he had for his family and the time he spent with his wife and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Knowles was predeceased by two brothers, Melvin and Morton Knowles. He is survived by his wife of more than 64 years, Edith Knowles of Winthrop; his son, Robert Knowles Sr., and his wife, Laureli 'Lolly' Lessard, of North Monmouth; his daughter, Nancy Sylvester and her husband, Ernest, of Leeds; his brothers-in-law, William Prescott of Auburn and Elton Perkins of Greene; his sisters-in law, Audrey Knowles of Bucksport and Eleanor Perkins of Florida; his grandchildren, Robert Knowles Jr. and his wife, Eugenie, of Arrowsic, Jonathan Knowles and his wife, Jennifer, of Monmouth, and Matthew Knowles of Leeds; his great-grandchildren, Spencer Knowles of Arrowsic and Carey and Megan Knowles of Monmouth; a niece, Cynthia Prescott of South Carolina; and many other nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives are invited to visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Valley Cemetery in Greene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army, 11 North Pearl St., Augusta 04330.