Kenneth Lee Begin

Kenneth Lee Begin, 82, of Buchanan passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Woodland Terrace at Longmeadow, Niles.
Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, February 21, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 509 W. 4th St., Buchanan. A time of gathering will be held from 10-11 am also at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus or Scouts BSA Troop 541 of Buchanan. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Ken was born on May 1, 1942, to Herbert and Fanny (Witherell) Begin in Muskegon, MI. Soon after graduation from Muskegon High School in 1960, he served two years in the United States Army in Huntsville, Alabama as a cook. After leaving the army he returned to Muskegon where he worked as a bartender on the Milwaukee Clipper. He trained to be a typewriter repairman which later later led to his becoming involved in cash register repair. He worked for several companies in cash register sales and service eventually starting his own company Redbud Cash Register for which he worked until retirement.
On April 11, 1964, he married the love of his life, Janet King. They had a family of five children. They settled in the Galien-Buchanan area in 1972 when Ken accepted a position at South Bend Cash Register.
A dedicated leader in the Boy Scouts, Ken was honored with a shelter in Vandalia, MI, named in recognition of his service. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan.
Ken had a love for adventure, taking many memorable trips to places such as Seattle, Florida and Japan. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. His patience and kind nature made him wonderful with children and he enjoyed teaching and guiding them. They too loved his mentorship.
Ken is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet Begin; daughters, Sharon (Tahir) Rasul and Carol Ritter; son, Scott (Dawn) Begin; grandchildren, Sarah (Mark) Bush and Rebecca (Brandon) Spicer; great-grandchildren, Merek Bush, Lukasz Bush, Kolby Spicer and sister, Margaret Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Fanny Begin; sons, Bruce Begin and Brian Begin; son-in-law, Todd Ritter and siblings, Gerry Tenbrink, Chuck Begin and Barbie Heaton.