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Kenneth Averill, M.D.
Nov. 13, 1929 - Nov. 30, 2017
Los Altos
Kenneth Earl Averill, M.D., a longtime resident of Los Altos, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 30, 2017. He was 88.
Ken and his identical twin brother, Keith, were born in Flint, Michigan, to Prescott and Eula Averill. They were joined a few years later by their younger sister, Patricia. At Central High School in Flint, Ken and Keith were star football players, with their team winning the state championship. Both brothers attended the University of Michigan where they earned their undergraduate and medical school degrees.
While a medical student, Ken met and married the love of his life, Bernadette (Bernie) Poch. After Ken completed his military service with the Air Force, he and Bernie moved to the Bay Area where Ken set up his medical practice at a new medical complex, surrounded by orchards, at the corner of Fremont and Mary in Sunnyvale. Ken was also a founding member of the medical staff at El Camino Hospital when it opened in 1961, and saw the very first ER patient to come through its doors. His successful medical career spanned four decades.
Bernie and Ken moved to Los Altos in 1962, where they raised their three kids and lived the rest of their lives. Also in 1962, Ken and Bernie joined the Los Altos Golf and Country Club, which became the center of their social life and where the family enjoyed spending time. Many lifelong friendships were forged at the Club. Ken and Bernie and their group of wonderful friends traveled extensively. Very athletic and an avid golfer and tennis player, Ken was a member of the Club for 50 years.
Family and friends knew Ken to be a humble man of grace and integrity, and generous almost to a fault. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father. For those lucky enough to call him their doctor, he was a gifted, kind, and compassionate physician who was always available to his patients. An extraordinary diagnostician, he was admired and respected by his colleagues and beloved by this patients. He kept his habit of staying current with the medical literature long past retirement, up until his last days.
In the last few years of his life, Ken developed a chronic, progressive pulmonary ailment that made him less active. Rarely complaining and always courageous, he lived to the end on his own terms. He was a truly remarkable and inspirational man who considered himself very lucky to had have a long and wonderful life. He will be missed.
Ken was preceded in death by his beautiful Bernie and his lovely daughter, Kristin, both in 2008, and his twin brother, Keith. He is survived by his sister Patricia (Jack) Krapohl of Wisconsin; half-sister Norma Ward of Michigan; sister-in-law MaryAnn Brown of Pennsylvania: sons Dr. Kenneth (Michele) Averill, Jr. of Aptos and Jeffery Averill of Long Beach; grandchildren Claire, Kenneth III, Bryce, Celeste, Maxwell, Jeffery Jr., Neil, and Keith, two great-grandsons, Josiah and Taz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be private. Memorial gifts in Ken's name may be directed to the Pathways Hospice Foundation at 585 North Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (www.pathways.org), or the American Red Cross- Central Coast Chapter at P.O.Box AR, Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921.
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6 Entries
Dr. Averill was my doctor for many years.
I remember my Dad writing a ten-dollar check for the office visit. Yes, that was a very long time ago. Dr. Averill was a very professional and capable professional and always available. I once saw him at Alpine Meadows with his family on a ski trip. I am sure he was very good at skiing, as well. RIP
Mike Collins
Other
November 1, 2023
I had the honor of getting to know him over the years as I used to deliver him food everyday. His dog Gigi would greet me at the door and he'd welcome me with his warm smile. Even though that food delivery service went out of business, I'm sad to learn of his passing and will be missed. True American and wonderful human being!
Solomon
May 25, 2019
I shared the building on Grant Road with Dr. Averill. It was a privilege to work by him.. Such a kind and good natured guy. I remember when he was angry at someone he walked around the buildings -twice- so he wouldn't vent temper at any one. Sharp as a tack, he felt he should retire at 70, because he thought doctors lost their edge by then. My sympathies to his family.
Anne Cole
Friend
June 13, 2018
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
A. M.
January 28, 2018
Dr. Averill was our family doctor since the early 60's. We could not have had a more loving, caring doctor. He made the world a kinder, gentler place.
Sincerely,
The Gilbert Family
Annette Gilbert Iwamoto
December 26, 2017
Dr.Averill was my first doctor when I moved to Cupertino. He delivered my daughter in 1965 and we saw him until his retirement. A wonderful doctor and person. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP.
Maxine Lucas
Maxine Lucas
December 16, 2017
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