Kenneth Earl Wallace

Kenneth Earl Wallace, 76, of Sacramento, passed away peacefully in his sleep from natural causes on January 15, 2026. Kenneth was born on December 17, 1949, in Houston, Texas, and spent most of his life in California. He grew up in the Bay Area, earned his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and later attended a graduate program at Humboldt State University. After moving around for a few years, he settled in San Diego, where he began and raised his family, before returning to Northern California in retirement. He spent more than 30 years as a federal computer programmer and was a devoted father, friend, and grandfather. In his role as Poppa, he never missed a chance to show up, whether for a theater, dance or synchronized swimming performance, or an afternoon spent cheering from the baseball stands. He loved his grandkids dearly. He was known for his curiosity, love of meaningful conversations, genuine care for the world around him, and his infectious smile. Kenneth will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A true lover of nature, Kenneth found joy in the outdoors-especially the ocean, wildlife, and birdwatching. He cherished long nature walks with friends and family and was an active member of a local walking group, as well as several environmental advocacy organizations. He adored his two dogs, Kit Kat and Jax, whom he pampered and took on many long walks along the river. These simple moments outdoors brought him great peace and were where he felt most at home.

Always eager for new experiences, Kenneth had recently purchased a set of watercolor paints and an electric tricycle, excited to begin his next chapter painting, biking around Sacramento, and making new friends at the senior living community he had recently moved into. He embraced this season of life with optimism and a sense of adventure.

Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Artelle and Earl, and his brother, Frank. He is survived by his sisters, Maryanne and Karen; his brothers-in-law, Bob and Larry; his sister-in-law, Nancy; his daughter, Emily; his stepdaughter, Anna; his sons-in-law, Kyle and Nils; his nephews, Josh, Gus, and Adam; his niece, Jen; and his four beloved grandchildren, Noelle, Reed, Liam, and Leila. He is also survived by his former wife, Viann, the mother of his daughter Emily and stepdaughter Anna.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kenneth's memory to the following organizations he cared deeply about:

The Nature Conservancy

The Sierra Club

Audubon Society

Sacramento Tree Foundation

His love for nature, family, and community lives on in all who knew him.