03/14/2020
CUSHING – Arthur “Art” Thomas Kiskila, died Thursday, March 12, 2020, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, after an extended illness.
Born in Rockland, September 19, 1945, he was the son of John E. and Evelyn Simmons Kiskila. Moving to Cushing when he was 7 years old, he attended local schools and was a member of the first class to graduate from Georges Valley High School in 1964.
Following graduation Arthur entered the United States Army and after completing basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he was assigned to additional training at Fort Gordon in Georgia and then reported for duty at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. It was at Camp Humphreys that Art completed his three-year enlistment before being honorably discharged and returning home to Maine.
Returning to civilian life he worked one summer at Prock Marine and two years with Marine Colloids, before becoming a Correctional Officer with the Maine State Prison in 1969. While working at Maine State Prison he advanced through the ranks to Sergeant for four years, then a Lieutenant for two years before finally retiring in 1997 as Deputy Warden.
After a 25-year courtship, Arthur married the ‘love of his life’, Susan C. Bodman at their Cushing home, January 1, 1999.
Always active in town affairs, Art became the Director of Emergency Management for the town of Cushing and has served in that capacity since 1972. He also served as the Town Constable for 20 years, and most notably served as Chief of Cushing Fire Department from 1988 to 2019.
A 32-degree Mason, he was member of the Orient Lodge of Masons #15 in Thomaston and held most of the offices of that lodge. Joining the Shriners in 1997, he was selected to be a Potentate Aid. He was not only active with the Mid-Coast and Waldo County Shrine clubs, but was also a member of the American Legion Post 37 in Thomaston, a life member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks #1008, and a member of both the Scottish Rites, and York Rites Freemasonry organizations.
During his career Arthur also served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, as a Court Officer with the Knox County Court System, and with the Rockland Police Department. He delivered flowers for the former Andrus Flower Shop and medications for Waltz Pharmacy, making friends wherever he went. With his wife, Art was a regular at the Rockland McDonald’s afternoon coffee clan.
Predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard Brewster, Arthur is survived by his wife Susan C. Bodman Kiskila of Cushing; three sisters, Edith Lawler of S**o, Marianne Welch ,of Cornish, and Shirley Huff of Standish, his nephew Scott Reed of Scarborough, and his step-grandchildren Tasha, Brianna, and Brandon Bodman.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Burpee ,Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2020 at Thomaston Baptist Church. Former Cushing Fire Department Chaplin, Scott Townsend will officiate. Private Interment will be at a later date in Pleasant View Cemetery, Cushing.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cushing Fire Department, 38 Cross Road, Cushing, ME 04563. To share a memory or story with Art’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
