Kenneth L. King

Kenneth L. King, 94 of Canton, CT died August 17, 2023. He was born July 23, 1929 in Winchester, CT, son of the late Leslie T. and Agnes (Sweeton) King and lived in Canton all of his life. He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie (Zima) King. He was a member of the First Congregational Church Canton Center. He was a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, MA, where he earned his BS and Master degrees. He earned his 6th Year Degree from the University of Hartford, Hartford, CT. He was employed by the Granby Connecticut School System for 35 years as a Physical Education Teacher, Physical Education Coordinator, Coach and Athletic Director.

Ken worked hard to develop the Granby athletic program. Granby won the Michael's Cup award in 1984-1985 for having the state's best class S school athletic program. In 1985 he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Connecticut Athletic Directors. In 1986 GMHS honored him by naming the high school gym, that he worked hard in the planning, the Kenneth L. King Gymnasium. Ken received an appreciation award from the North Central CT Conference for his outstanding service and dedication 1962 – 1987. In 2007 he received the Canton High School Wall of Fame Class of 1947 award for outstanding leadership, scholarship and civic responsibility.

He enjoyed many hobbies; fishing on the Farmington River, gardening in his apple orchard, growing vegetables, pumpkins, blueberries, raspberries and making apple cider. He was an avid fan of the NY Giants, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and UConn Basketball. After retiring he enjoyed keeping in touch with the coaches, students, teachers, and friends he met throughout his career and life.

Most importantly he loved his family; wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, in-laws, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed celebrating holidays at the Case/Sweeton/King homestead, the family vacations at Kingsbury Beach Cape Cod, organizing and gathering the family to help with tending his apple orchard and gardens, and the annual tradition of making apple cider.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Wood (Darren) of Barkhamsted, son William King (Carole) of Noank, son Jarvis King of Canton, his daughter-in-law Jamie King of Canton, and his grandchildren Aaron Zickefoose (Cathleen), James Zickefoose (Angie), Morgan King, Brittany King, Brian King (Amber), Kevin King (Katrina), and his great grandchildren Elijah Zickefoose, Dylan and Ella Zickefoose, Konnor and Kassidy King, Harper and Kendall King. He was predeceased by his son, Kyle King and his sister, Arlene Griswold Church.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 8th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton. Private burial will be in the North Canton Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Please visit Ken's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.