Kenneth L. Ball Jr.

1951 - 2022

Kenneth L. Ball Jr. passed away suddenly but peacefully in his home in Salinas on Saturday December 17, 2022. Born on October 9, 1951 in Carmel to parents Myrtle (Billeci) and Kenneth L. Ball Sr., Kenny was a lifelong resident of Monterey County. His earliest years were spent in Monterey, but by high school his family relocated to Arroyo Seco after spending many wonderful summers there. Ken, or Jr. to some, attended King City High School, where he participated in football and track & field before graduating in 1969. Ken was a jack of all trades and had a vast range of work experience. From short order cook at Millers Lodge to loading lettuce trucks in King City, or family endeavors like lathing with his father or building cabinets in Castroville with his father-in-law (Joe Pereira). In 1973, Ken started working in the gas department of PG&E, where was first introduced to what would become a career working for the Union. By 2017 Ken retired after nearly 40 years as a Union Representative with IBEW Local 1245. Kenny was a proud union man; always fighting for workers rights. He fought tenaciously for what he thought was right, and would not back down from any conflict - even political debates. This past November he celebrated 50 years of marriage with his wife Cindi. Together they had four kids and nine grandkids who brought him so much happiness. Kenny's presence was enormous. He had a unique, humorous, and colorful way with people. Sometimes misunderstood, and always brutally honest, he loved teaching lessons and had a way with words that stuck with people. He loved being outdoors, whether shore camping at San Antonio Lake, hunting at the Linquist Ranch, or fishing with everyone on the annual Father's Day Fishing trips. He loved his annual trip with his mother to the Umpqua River to fish (and gamble) with his brothers Larry and Ronny for the springer salmon run. Ken was equally happy with a fishing pole or a frying pan in his hand. He was an amazing cook, and barbeque master. One of the many ways he showed his love was by cooking for people, and his meals were a central part of every family get together and holiday. He was famous for his amazing biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs and pancakes breakfast on Saturday mornings. Ken and Jim Derichsweiler would barbecue for hundreds of people for Salinas High football games, cheerleading, and many other fundraising events. Ken was also the neighborhood mechanic. Whether it was an oil change or a motor swap, his driveway has seen it all. Ken was also a carpenter and cabinet maker, he built, and helped build many projects. He had tools to fix tools and would always lend them to anyone in need in any situation. He had a knack for fixing, or at least rigging everything. He was a proud Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He spent more time at "The Pit" than most coaches, watching his sons, daughters, wife and grandkids play, cheer and coach for Salinas High. At his grandchildren's soccer games, all the kids knew to find Papa Kenny for donut holes after the games. Ken's gentle side was always evident around any dog. He loved and had a way with all dogs, and sometimes even preferred them to people. Ken loved to dance, always swinging the ladies around any dance floor. Kenny is survived by his wife Cynthia (Cindi), sons Greg (Michelle) and Tim (Alisha), daughters Katey (Toby Gardner) and Samantha (Andrew D'Amico), and his nine grandchildren Zachary, Madison, Blake, Colton, Camden, Hudson, Wyatt, Dylan, and Waylon. His mother Myrtle Ball, sister Cindy Escobar (Earl), brother Larry Ball (Angie), and brother Ronny Ball. He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth L. Ball Sr, his brother Jim Ball, and his niece Ashley Escobar. We appreciate all of the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences. He meant so much to so many people. We would love for you to leave your favorite story about Kenny in the comments. There will be a celebration of life outdoors later this spring. Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com