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Kenneth Upton Obituary
Kenneth Ray Upton
1937 ~ 2020
Kenneth Ray Upton died September 11, 2020 in Mckay, Idaho.
Kenneth was born August 1S, 1937. The youngest child of Clifford and Nadine Upton. He married his high school sweetheart, Sharyn Kae Schindall.
In the winter 1958, Ken began his life as an iron worker. He worked on power plants, Dams, Buildings & Bridges. His passion became building bridges.
Ken and Sharyn had 2 children, Nannette Celese & Kirt Lorin. This family moved across the nation from 1967-1973. In the fall of 1973, Ken left his job, replacing all the cables on the Golden Gate Bridge to come to Idaho to build the Perrine Bridge across the Snake River Canyon. This may have been the largest jewel in his crown.
Ken became a widower in 1980. He met and married Darlene Beckman. They were married August of 1981. Ken gained a daughter through this union, Erin Wadell. Ken and Darlene had 2 children together, Boone Austin & Kenna Darlene.
Ken loved to live big- the bigger the better and he tried anything. Ken passed away up in Mackey, Idaho on a side by side trip. If it's your time to go, "Go doing something you enjoy."
Dad lovingly called Idaho "God's Country".
It's only fitting the Lord would take dad home from the great out-doors.
Ken was proceeded in death by his parents, 2 brothers & both wives.
His is survived by Nan & Tracy Stanger of Murtaugh, Kirt & Shelly Upton of Murtaugh, Erin Tim Grahm of Hansen, Boone & Darcie Upton of Filer, Kenna Upton & Patrick Gill of Murtaugh, 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great-granddaughters.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Upton
Gina Pethtel - Murray
March 31, 2024
Greatest of condolences from Frank and Virginia Pethtel. Frank connected a lot of bridges with kenny and speaks highly of him and his work ethic
Neil Larsen
September 20, 2020
Hi. Kirk & Shelly so sorry to hear of Kirk,s father passing hope you and your family are all well Your old friend Neil & Linda Larsen
Carl & LaNeice Dille
September 19, 2020
Sorry to hear the news about Ken. He brings back great memories working with him on the Perrine Bridge and elk hunting. God be with the Upton Family.
Gary and Linda Nebeker.
September 19, 2020
So sorry to hear this news. Awesome that he was able to go doing something he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
How you can show support
Jack Geer
September 18, 2020
I have a photo of he and I in Korea, but I don't know To put into my computer. I f you send me an address I will mail a print.
Jack
Edward "Jack" Geer
September 18, 2020
Dear Kirt and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. It was not long ago (couple of months or so), but we had 0ne of our rather long conversation that covered much ground and subjects. I met Ken in the spring of 1972 as I came on board with Industrial. We became very close on the first Golden Gate cable changeout, followed by the Snake River bridge and his first cableway project. With the demise of Allied, we went our separate ways until he came to work for us at Tokola on a very large convention center in Seattle followed by our starting consulting with DCCI. From then on we were together on the bidding of many projects . In 2000 he and I went to Pusan Korea for two months plus to engineer and supervise (advise) erecting a 4000 +/- ton upper bridge tower section that required hooking on below the center of gravity. Which should NEVER be done. I will MISS dialing him up , but in Heavin we will catch up.
With love, Jack
Pat & Aly Seiple
September 18, 2020
Pat & Aly Seiple
September 18, 2020
Pat & Aly Seiple
September 18, 2020
Kirt, Shelly & Family: Very sorry for your loss. Ken was one of the most generous men I was fortunate to have known. He was a patient and caring mentor when I was a young project manager. Certainly a big reason I continue to work in the steel industry. And his laugh! It was infectious. Thanks Kenny!
Alissa and Jeff Schneider
September 17, 2020
Kirt, Shelly, Boone & Family: Everyone at Danny's Construction has such fond memories of Ken. He was a great contributor in the Danny's Construction adventures! We are very sorry for your loss but also happy that he was able to be active and having fun right up to the end! The Minneapolis Convention Center and Bartle Hall are 2 of his outstanding steel erection accomplishments.
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