Kenneth Eugene Daniel

Kenneth Eugene Daniel, known affectionately as Kenneth or Ken to his family and friends, passed away at the age of 79 in Niles, Michigan, on June 11, 2024 from cancer. Born on March 22, 1945, in Wenatchee, Washington, Kenneth was the cherished son of the late Alonzo (Lon) and Violet Ethel (Johnson) Daniel. His kind and loving spirit brought light and joy into the lives of everyone he knew.
Kenneth shared 55 beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ellen (Mikhail) Daniel, and together they were blessed with two wonderful children, Kimberly Daniel-Jaeger and Kenneth Daniel Jr. He was also the proud grandfather of Verena Daniel. A family man at heart, one of Kenneth's most cherished achievements was providing for and taking care of his family, a commitment he took great pride in and fulfilled with unwavering dedication.
After the death of his father at the age of 12, Ken's mother married Lester Justinen and with the addition of a step sister and brother, in 1959 the family moved to Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. While there he attended Canadian Union College making life-long friends including fellow student Richard Thorp, (who later became his brother in-law). Ken began his life-long entrepreneurial career buying & selling food, to other students in the campus dormitory. After leaving CUC he with his brother Bob returned to live in the USA and while there, He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Oakwood University, Huntsville Alabama and put his education and ambition to great use. From his Accounting Degree and while working with The Associates and Prudential full time, he founded Quality Tax Service in 1970 initially working from home. As the Tax business grew, he with his brother Bob and for a short time with Rosella, Ken expanded Quality Tax Service to store-front offices in Berrien Springs, Michigan that served many clients from Andrews University, as well as in South Bend, Indiana and Niles, Michigan. Later consolidating offices to Niles, Mi, Kenneth's professional career was marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence, and his family, friends and colleagues knew him as a reliable and friendly presence who could always be relied upon for support and wise counsel. He loved working with clients and continued until his illness prevented that in early April, 2024.
Kenneth's love of flying was more than just a hobby; it was a passion that allowed him to soar above the clouds and experience the freedom of the skies. An adept pilot, his adventures in the air were among his most cherished experiences. Grounded in his love for games of both chance and skill, Kenneth also enjoyed playing Baccarat, in casinos and online where he created a system to beat the odds or so he said
Bible study sessions with his friends were a testament to his faith and provided him with strength and camaraderie. These meetings were times of reflection and fellowship, which he always looked forward to with great eagerness. Equally joyous were his scooter rides-opportunities for Kenneth to explore and connect with nature and neighbors alike, always with a wave and a warm smile. His charismatic nature and genuine interest in others allowed him to make lasting connections wherever he went. He believed in the power of serving others and demonstrated this belief through countless acts of kindness and support to those around him.
Surviving Kenneth is his loving wife Ellen, his children; Kimberly and Kenneth Jr. of Niles, granddaughter; Verena of Niles, sisters; Rosella (Daniel) Towers of Vancouver, British Columbia, and brother; Larrie Justinen of Kelowna, British Colombia. His nieces and nephews; Chris Daniel, Bobbi (Daniel) Olson, Bud Rooke, Jessica Towers. Their blended family includes step-siblings Shirley (Justinen) Thorp, her spouse Richard, Kelowna BC, Harold Justinen, his spouse Renee; Neice Lorlinda Thorp and nephews Tim Justinen and Landon Justinen. The many cousins include Don Daniel and Ron Turner, who were especially close to Ken.
Kenneth is preceded in passing by his parents, and his brothers; Robert Lewis Daniel, Richard Alonzo Daniel and sister Virginia (Daniel) Sloan.
Per Kenneth's wishes, there will be no services held at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for Kenneth's family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Kenneth Eugene Daniel's life was one that exemplified love in action, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he left behind. A respected and adored member of his community, he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.