Kenneth Arnold

Dr. Kenneth Harold Arnold
July 5, 1931 - November 26, 2016
Ken Arnold passed away November 26th with his family by his side.  He was 85 years old.
 Ken was born and raised in Redding, CA.  He attended Shasta High and graduated in 1949.  Ken enjoyed being an athletic prowess (his words).  He signed and played catcher with the minor league Redding Browns (the farm team of the St. Louis Browns - now Baltimore Orioles).   From there he went on to serve in the Army during the Korean War and was a member of the National Guard. He returned to Redding where he started his career teaching and married Connie (his wife of 57 years). 
 Ken was the happiest man and an instant friend to many.   Everyone who met him loved him for his smile and happiness as he could go into a grocery store for 5 items and it would take two hours. He was very proud of the life he created with Connie. His children and grandchildren were an important part of his daily life.
Ken's career was in education.  He was very proud that he worked hard and graduated from Chico State with his B.A. and M.S. and was a member of the Chi Tau fraternity and went on to earn his Doctorate of Education at University of the Pacific.  He started his career as a teacher and ultimately retired as a school administrator in the Modesto City Schools.  He continued to work with numerous school districts for almost 20 years after he retired.   He was named ACSA Administrator of the year in 1986 and taught every level from K-12.  Ken was a University Professor and taught Post Graduates through Stanislaus State.   He was also a supervising professor for Ottawa University.
He loved sports especially the St. Louis Cardinals and was a dedicated fan, mentor and critic.  Ken coached basketball, baseball and officiated football, however his passion was golf.
Ken loved golf with the same enthusiasm he had for education and life. He avidly played and won the Spring Creek Invitational twice. He taught his children and grandchildren and enjoyed watching them compete. He could be seen traveling up and down a driving range providing insight and knowledge to those learning and striving to improve their games. Young or old he was there to support. He was on the Board of Directors for the Junior Golf Association of Northern California and coached their America's Cup team in the early 80's.
Ken was a member of the Centenary Methodist Church and had strong faith.  He always felt blessed and was a true humanitarian.  Ken's faculty at Beard School started the Ken Arnold Scholarship Foundation in 1989 and has given scholarships to well deserving recipients each year which Ken supported and was actively involved.
Nothing was more important to Ken than his family.  Once he retired he was able to be at every sporting and social event that his grandchildren were participating in, often being heard from the stands.
 He is survived by his wife Connie, and children Michael, his wife Sally Arnold (Sonora, CA) Eric, his wife Nicole Arnold (San Jose, CA) Keri, her husband Mark Langley (Oakdale, CA), and Dana, her husband John Ebster (Modesto, CA). Grandchildren Kelsea Waite (husband Karl), Alex Arnold, Kiana Arnold, Kenzie Arnold, Erica Arnold, Megan Caviglia, Garrett Arnold, Christopher Ebster and Makena Ebster.
The Arnold Family would like to thank Dr. Barandica, Dr. Hunt, Dr. Rasmussen, Nurses Lily and Kim and the rest of the wonderful staff at Doctor's Emergency Room. 
Funeral Services will be at 2:30 pm Sunday December 11th at
Centenary Methodist Church - 1911 Toyon Avenue, Modesto, CA
Celebration of Life 4:00-6:00pm at Elk's Lodge 645 Charity Way, Modesto, CA
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Dr. Ken Arnold Scholarship
Modesto City Schools
c/o Accounting Department
426 Locust St.
Modesto, CA 95351
Please share condolences at
www.AllenMortuary.com
www.cvobituaries.com