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Kenneth McKibben Obituary
Kenneth Rex McKibben passed away on Friday evening, August 29 from complications of Parkinson's disease at the age of 75 years. He was born in San Luis Obispo, CA and was the oldest son of Rex and Maude Johnson McKibben. When Kenneth was young his family moved fourteen times until at the age of fourteen they settled in Brookdale. He graduated in 1952 from San Lorenzo Valley High School then located in Boulder Creek. Ken attended San Jose Junior College and San Jose State. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Ft. Lewis, WA.
After college he worked for a local architecture firm and decided he preferred being involved in the actual construction of the buildings. He joined the Carpenter's Union Local #505 and was a member for 50 years. He worked on many buildings in Santa Cruz County. Ken also drew plans for homes and designed and built his own home. He was very proud of his craftsmanship. Ken enjoyed reading historical novels, watching westerns, working with wood and spending time in the garden. In later years he liked to spend time with his seven grandchildren. He spent a great deal of time researching his family genealogy and took trips throughout the U.S. to visit sights where his ancestors had resided. He was a life member of the Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen Woodward McKibben of Santa Cruz, his sons: Kenneth McKibben Jr., of Santa Cruz, Mark McKibben and daughter-in-law Heather Wood McKibben and their children Connor, Kristen & Kendall of Rosedale, CA, daughter Melisa McKibben Piazza and son-in-law Rick Piazza: and their children James, Anna, Nicolette & Anthony Piazza of Sunnyvale; brother, Laurence McKibben and sister-in-law Claire McKibben of Gridley, nephews; Roy & Kevin McKibben and niece Karen McKibben Warburg.
Friends are invited to attend funeral services with full Military Honors on Friday, Sept 5, at 1:00PM at Santa Cruz Memorial "" Oakwood Chapel 3301 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz.
Burial will follow within the Oakwood Memorial Park.
Contributions to the Cabrillo College Stroke and Aquired Disability Center, 501 Upper Park Road, DeLavega Park, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060 or Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave., Sunnyvale, CA. 94089, or your favorite charity are preferred
Santa Cruz Memorial "" Oakwood Chapel entrusted with final arrangements 831 475-2464
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth McKibben
2 Entries
Nancy Woodward
September 8, 2008
Helen and family - I was saddened to hear of Kenneth's passing from Vilva and Rita. May the love of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Bonnie Mikesell
September 4, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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