Kenneth Kline Kennedy

1941 - 2010

Kenneth Kline
Kennedy
9/23/1941-11/26/2010

Kenneth Kline Kennedy passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Elk, Calif, on November 26 at the age of 69. Kenneth was born in Inglewood, Calif, on September 23, 1941 to Kenneth and Annie Kennedy. Growing up in Lennox, he became actively involved with running YMCA programs for youngsters and because of his influence as a positive role model he was awarded the honor of YMCA Boy of the Year. This foundation set the stage for a life filled with helping others.
Ken graduated from Whittier College with a degree in English and then joined the U.S. Army to serve his country. Upon discharge, he began a long and influential career in education. After earning his teaching credential he was hired to teach in Los Nietos, Calif. He went on to earn his M.A. in Education and then took on the role of Teacher-Principal in the little community of Alta-Dutch Flat, Calif. Ken enjoyed a variety of experiences while living in this Sierra foothills community including serving as a volunteer fireman, providing snow removal of roads and taking on the role of local barber. While working at the Alta-Dutch Flat Elementary School he started a Ski Program but the main highlight for him was always working with the children and this inspired him to return to graduate school where he obtained his PhD. in Education at Brigham Young University.
Ken was then hired to be the Superintendent-Principal at Bowman School District in Auburn, Calif, where he had twelve memorable years of exceptional service both in education and in the community. While living and working in Auburn, he was a founding member of the Association of California School Administrators, started a Ski Program for the Bowman students and was a member of both the Masons and Lions service groups. In 1986, he took on responsibility for a larger school district in Oakdale, Calif, as Superintendent of the Oakdale Elementary School District. While living in this central valley community, Ken became an active member of the Rotary Club and served as its President, achieving the highest charitable honor of Paul Harris Fellow. Ken was always known as a warm and generous man, a mentor for children and adults alike.
In 1999, Ken and his wife Jeanna retired to the beautiful coastal community of Elk. In retirement, Ken never slowed down, enjoying with Jeanna visits to spend quality time with his family and friends and traveling throughout the world as well as volunteering on many projects including the Elk County Water District.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Keith Kennedy and Annie Margaret MacLean Kennedy. He is remembered and cherished with tender love by his devoted wife Jeanna; daughter Katharine Pelle and husband Peter of Meadow Vista, Calif.; son Kenny Kennedy of Alpine, Calif.; son Jason Gardner and wife Shelly of Carmichael, Calif.; daughter Janine Grenham and husband John of Walnut Creek, Calif.; his four beautiful grandchildren Tanner, Kapri, Josephine and Kylie; his sisters Annette Jenkins, Susan Seviour and Jeanne Bromley and their families; his brothers Donald and David Kennedy and their families; and his many relatives and close friends who will remember Ken for his keen mind, good heart and many talents. He was treasured and loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed. In keeping with Ken's wishes, there will be no memorial service. In memory of Ken, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.