Winterport - Kelsey Michael Sullivan, 52, of Winterport, ME, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026

He is survived by his sons Raymond Sullivan McKnight 21, and Franklin Sullivan McKnight 16, Father Francis "Kerry" Sullivan, Mother Patricia Nelson Sullivan, Sister Kacia Sullivan Reilly and brother-in-law Ian Reilly, Ray and Frank's mother and loving co-parent Aly McKnight, Ray and Frank's grandparents Warren and Kathy McKnight, many aunts, uncles and cousins, along with countless friends and colleagues at the Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, where he worked as a wildlife biologist for over 18 years.

Kelsey was most at home in the woods and waters wherever he lived; from his birthplace of Rockport, Massachusetts, to the islands of Alaska, the hills of western Maine, and the homestead in Winterport. A faithful correspondent, his letters, postcards and missives from afar demonstrated his way with words, and his deep affection for the people he kept close, and although he wasn't from Pigeon Cove, his wicked sense of humor.

He was a renowned expert on wildlife and ecology, having greatly contributed to long-term studies in marine birds, waterfowl, and game birds. He was especially adept at field work, from coordinating and inspiring field crews, leaping over logistical hurdles, keeping boats, trucks, and trailers functional in remote settings (sometimes with little more than duct tape and baling wire to work with), and always bringing home the birds. Over the years, he captured, handled, and banded thousands of birds, and the information he collected was used to assess population recovery, finesse management strategies, and add to long-term datasets critical to environmental monitoring. Science aside, no one was better in an emergency, be it a weather-related problem, malfunctioning equipment, or lost persons – he could instantly assess the situation and arrive at the single action capable of resolving the crisis.

Kelsey was a bright light in so many lives, and was the instigator of a lifetime of adventures with family and friends; surfing, sailing, whitewater canoeing and rafting, winter camping, hunting, tree-climbing, rock-climbing, urban exploring, mountain and road-biking, downhill skateboarding, disc-golf and frisbee, snowmobiling, orienteering, skinny-dipping, hitchhiking, playful jousting, and whatever other unique activities he could dream up!

He was the life of any party, he tapped trees, boiled sap to make maple syrup and served it over ice cream and pickles on Maple Sunday at Stonemeadow, the family cabin he and Aly built in the foothills of western Maine. He carried water from their spring to the upper cabin, where he was a co-builder and cut and carried wood to keep all warm. He could hold his own on the dance floor, and loved bringing people together. He was a master of zany poses in unique locations, and had a hundred different smiles. He was a kind soul, a quick friend, and he truly brought out the best in anyone around him.

He helped raise Ray and Frank to be unique, industrious, independent, and kind humans. He showed them the wonders of the natural world, an appreciation for simple pleasures, and taught them skills and resilience that they will use as they continue their journeys, carrying innumerable cherished memories of adventures with their Papa, from participating in local whitewater races, to bike trekking across Maine, to backpacking in Baxter State Park, and too many others to count.

For those that he touched, his light will burn bright for the rest of their days. In the sun shining off the morning waves, the whispered fall of snowflakes on the trees, the raucous laughter of stories told, and the echoing cry of "koo-keey!" - his invented and heartily reciprocated greeting to nearby friends as he approached through the woods; "I'm here! Where are you? Let's go!"

He is impossible to forget, and will live on in our memories every day. All of us that he touched will share the experience of loneliness shaped by this loss. At night when you look up to the constellation Orion in the sky remember there is a star named Kelsey.

A Celebration of Life For Kelsey will be held at Scout Hall in Rockport

10:00 am - March 28th, 2026

Scout Hall - 47 Pleasant St, Rockport, MA 01966

Please join us to celebrate Kelsey's life. This is an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share memories, and honor a man who was funny, kind, generous, and quietly impactful. We invite you to come and tell stories and remember him in your own way.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you channel your inner Kelsey and pay it forward in honor of his kindness.