Obituary of Kenneth W. Faulter

Kenneth Warren “Chip” Faulter, 61, of Fiddlers Reach, Phippsburg, Maine, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019 after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer and subsequent diagnosis of ALS. He was born on May 8, 1958 in Syracuse, New York. Chip graduated from Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square, NY, Class of 1976 and after his first college year at Clarkson University transferred to Webb Institute of Naval Architecture. He graduated Class of 1981 with a dual BS Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Before graduating, he accepted a job that same month at Bath Iron Works in Bath ME and moved there immediately. He spent his entire 34-year career at Bath Iron Works. He was hired as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in July 1981 and held various middle management positions and worked on several ship programs engineering and design efforts , FFG, CG, DDG, LPD, LCS, DDX. He was chosen to be a part of a management group to help win a new contract for the shipyard teaming with 3 other companies and moving to New Orleans to work on a proposal for the Navy’s new Landing Platform Dock (LPD), thus becoming the Manager of LPD17 Engineering/Design once the contract winner was announced. He later was promoted to Director of Design being responsible for cost, schedule and technical adequacy for all new construction design work for all programs. Along the way he had various off-site tours spending time in NY City on design of the Arleigh Burke Destroyers and at Electric Boat in CT, working LCS in Mobile AL, worked a project in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a short stint in Adelaide Australia. His love of ships led him to a rewarding career at BIW. He was a true believer that “Bath Built is Best Built.” Chip had several passions, and at the top of his list was his family and spending time with all of them. He was steadfastly proud of all his sons’ achievements all along the way, whether it was Benjamin attending and graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy or traveling with Michael to all of his baseball pursuits right through college. Time spent with them was always quality time, especially here in Maine where the whole family gathers every year for a reunion to enjoy our little spot of paradise in Phippsburg. He worked lovingly on the gardens and lawn for us all to enjoy. His other family was the Model Railroading community, whether locally, statewide, or nationally. This “tribe” was one of his lifelines as we battled cancer for the last year and half. These people brought him through many a dark day when he was feeling weak and down. His passing has left a deep void in their hearts as well and in the hobby; one he had been enthralled with since the age of 9. Model Railroading was so much a part of his life, and Chip and Mona met many wonderful people with many treasured friendships attributed to this community. We thank you all for the support we have been given throughout this journey. His railroad, The KWF Line will continue to operate led by his son, Benjamin and the spirit of model railroading is already instilled in grandson, Nolan who asks at every visit to go see “Poppa’s trains”! On June 27, 1992, Chip married Mona Tibbetts and the adventures began, sailing, traveling to his son’s sports and band events, Model Railroad Conventions and the latest trips to Italy and a railroad convention trip to Utah and visiting his best friend, Tom & wife, Janet in Colorado. Chip’s greatest blessing, was his amazing two-year-old grandson Nolan, whom he loved with all his being. They loved to watch Thomas the Train videos towards the end of every visit. Chip wore many hats, husband, father, grandfather, loyal friend, mentor, and leader always exhibiting a love for life. He touched a lot of people with his generosity and lent a helping hand if anyone needed it. For this, we have all been truly blessed and will continue to work together as a family and carryout what he most believed in life. He is predeceased by his father, Kenneth A. Faulter. He is survived by his wife Mona; sons Benjamin (Erin) Faulter of Bowdoin, ME and Michael (and fiancé Nicole) Faulter of Huntington Station, NY. And grandson Nolan Faulter of Bowdoin. He is also survived by his mother Panalyn “Penny” Faulter of Central Square, NY and sister Mary Lynn (Chris) House of Baldwinsville, NY; Nieces Hollie (Jon) Leonardi and their children Joey and Allie of Baldwinsville, NY and Nicole Spencer of Winner, SD. Also, many treasured, long standing friendships that meant so much to him. In lieu of flowers, our family has requested that a fund be established at the Seacoast Division of the National Model Railroad Association that will provide assistance to young people who are interested in being involved with Model Railroading. Chip was passionate about this hobby and always wanted younger people to become involved and experience the satisfaction and joy that it is always brought him. The money will help those young people that can’t otherwise afford to attend events and participate, by defraying some of the cost. If you wish you may make a donation in Chip’s name, by forwarding a check made out to Seacoast Division of the NMRA and adding in the Notes/Subject/For area at the bottom of the check “Chip Faulter Fund”. Mail to: David Kotsonis, Treasurer c/o Chip Faulter Fund 1 Anne’s Lane Greenland, NH 03840-2201 There will be a private family interment. An informal celebration of his life, will be held at the Phippsburg Sportsman’s Association 282 Main Road, Phippsburg, ME 04562 on November 30, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. where you can join the family and have a bite to eat and reminisce about all of our memories of a wonderful man who has left us way too soon. We thank the staff at MidCoast Center for Infusion for their love and care given to him during all his treatments and Dr. Timothy Fitzgerald and his staff at Maine Health for their commitment to a very successful surgery. We are very grateful to have such wonderful angels on earth here in our community.