Kenneth D Cormier, founder and president of Funtown USA in Saco, Maine, died January 8 at the age of 80.
He passed away on January 8 in Celebration, Florida, following a brief illness. In 1960, Cormier and his wife Violet started the Marvel Drive-In on Route 1 in Saco. In 1967, the couple started Funtown USA in partnership with Andre (Ted) and Muriel Dallaire, Violet’s sister and brother-in-law. In 1996, Ken and Violet purchased Cascade Water Park and Amusements from the Dallaire Family, creating Funtown Splashtown USA. It is the largest combined water and amusement park in northern New England.
Cormier was very active in the amusement and attractions industry, serving three-years on the IAAPA board and audit committee. Named Maine’s Small Business Person of the Year in 2001, he was inducted in the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (NEAAPA) Hall of Fame four years later.
Cormier is survived by Violet, his wife of 50 years, plus six children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
