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Kenneth Allen Johnson
01/27/1947 — 12/18/2006
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Walla Walla, Washington
Kenneth Allen Johnson
Kenny Johnson passed away with his wife and family by his side, December 18, 2006, after a short brave battle with cancer.
Ken grew up in Richland, Washington where he graduated from Richland High School in 1965. After graduating Ken served in the Marine Corp Reserve and attended Columbia Basin College where he studied welding and metallurgy. Ken then went to work for Nortech making transducers, and soon began his career as a Quality Assurance Engineer, working throughout the western United States. Ken eventually returned to Richland and started his own consulting business which led him to his final employment with Duratek as an engineer.
Ken met and married his soul mate Lori in July, 1992. Ken and Lori loved to travel. Special trips included traveling with friends to Alaska and Mexico. Ken enjoyed and valued the time he was able to spend with his children.
Ken enjoyed a variety of activities especially when they involved being outdoors. Among his favorite activities were mountain climbing, gardening, golfing and most recently kayaking with Lori. He also enjoyed playing pool and was considered by many to be very good at it.
Ken had a large contingent of friends and family which was evidenced by the recent reunion at the Hampton Inn where more than 150 friends and family had an opportunity to express their appreciation for the difference he made in their lives. Ken was loved and respected by all who knew him.
He leaves behind daughters Michelle Gire Dan, Angela, Allison, and Nikki; son Marcus. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Jessa, Jaylynn, Andy and Malayla; brothers Rick, Judy, Gary Linda and several nieces and nephews. His mother and father, Delbert and Doris Johnson, and son Jeremiah Johnson precede Ken in death.
Lori and her family extend special thanks to his Duratek family for all their love and support. Warm and loving thanks to his close friends and special thanks to Kens best friend Gary Webb.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, December 22, 2006 at Einans Funeral Home in Richland. Viewing will be held Thursday, December 21, 6-8:00 pm.
Donations may be to Tri Cities Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.
Lori,
I am so glad that we were able to organize the event for Kenny in time. He showed such strength and grace staying there for nearly 4 hours. I didnt know him as well as others. But, his impact was clear by the numbers that showed up for his celebration on short notice during the holidays. Our thoughts are with you.
Steve & Ruth Simpson
Lori,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kenny was the best brother in-law I could ever ask for. I sure am going to miss him. He gets to be reunited with His Mom and Dad and of course Jeramiha Oh and lets not forget Dear OLD Frank and my mommy and your mommy. I think they will be having a big party up there without us.
I love you Lori and I am here for you anytime or Day just call. Kenny will be missed.
Love your sister always Debbie
Ken worked with my husband Jeff at Duratek for many years. I know his friendship meant a great deal to Jeff and to I. Jeff would often come home from work with a joke to tell me and I always knew which one’s were from Ken. He has an amazing spirit. Our thoughts are with Lori and all of Ken’s family and friends. Ken’s memory lives on in all of the hearts and minds of those lives that he touched.
Ken was a great man. He really knew how to enjoy life. He taught me a lot professionally and personally. He always had a funny joke to share and could liven up any situation. He will be missed.
We started our friendship in High School with a car hitting our motorcycle; Ken saved us both by laying it down and us sliding; we thought we were cool then because we got new shoes Wing-Tips – what you wore with Jeans thenout of it! I wasn’t here to be with Ken after school except on leave from the service, but we made up for it when I moved back here in 1991, and he, Ron Griswold, Tim VanReenan and I had a golf foursom; we played Ken’s tournament last summer was our last outing. An American Guy, and we’ll miss him.
Lori and family,
My thoughts and prayers.
Byrne
To Lori and the Family of Kenny:
My sincere heartfelt condolences go out to you at this time of your loss and sorrow. Kenny will be missed by so many; and you and he have touched so many lives. I, for one, will never forget meeting you two on December 8, 2006. I am honored that I could be there.
May God bless and give Kenny a special place there in heaven and may He guide you through your pain and sorrow to the peace you will find someday. Kenny is at peace and he would want you, his family, to be there too. Peace be with you and God bless you all.
Love,
Judy Willox ’61
Ken, You are a great friend and always will be. You will remain in my heart for ever; so make your self comfortable.
Lori, my sympathies and condolences. Please take care of yourself. We love you.
Teek & Sara
Dear Lori …
When I think of Kenny, I always think of his cute smile and what a nice guy he was. Our world is a little better because he was part of it.
Lori and family,
We were so thrilled to see Kenny and the great turnout at the Hampton Inn – and to give him a big hug. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult and sad time.
Marsha Goslin ’65 & Gary Brehm
Lori and Family,
My heartfelt prayers are with you in this time of sadness. Kenny will be missed by all who knew him. Know he is in a better place.
Always, Shanon and Tom Smith
Class of 1965
Kenny….To a very special person…you will be missed,but never forgotten
Ken Dame class of 68
Ken-
You will definately be missed. I will treasure your kindness and friendship and was fortunate to get to work and golf with you! It’s tearing me up that I could not visit you during your battle. Why didn’t I make the time? I know you would have. I am so sorry!
Thanks for all the good laughs and great spirits!
Lori, he loved you dearly and was so proud when he surprised you with that Mustang. He enjoyed sharing the remodeling of your kitchen and even though it was work and glitches during that time he knew the end result was well worth it because it made you happy. I will always remember the time you all came out with new sandwiches at work and had to drag me down there to try them….he was so proud of you and enjoyed talking about you. Thanks for your friendship and sharing him with us all at Energy Solutions Duratek.
Take care!
Angie Gagnon
I was surprised when Jenny told me of Ken’s passing. Ken was a wonderful friend to Kirk and his girls. If they play pool in Heaven I know Kirk and Ken are playing together.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you and your family and give you strength.
I am missing my son, kirk at this time also. Di’ane Eckstine Kirk’s Mom and Jenny and Heather’s grandmother
Ken became a good friend while working together on some tough jobs in 2003. He was such a support both professionally and personally. One of our close connections was through Cleo. His kindness in giving Cleo a loving home with his father will be remembered for a very long time…
I will always remember Kenny from my days with T. He was funny which made me laugh and pay attention, and sensitive which broadened my perspective of others,there were many fun times years ago.
You will be missed Kenny, was so glad to have been your friend and have the memories I do of you. Hope to see you in Heaven!!
Kenny will be missed. I could always count on him for a good laugh. He was also one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve known. I hope to have the same zest for life that he did.
To: Lori
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Ken was loved by many.
God Bless You.
Linda McKnight Hoban Bomber Class of 65
Kenny, I’m so glad we got to see one another in person one more time. Sorry I can’t be there on the 22nd…but I will be there in June just like I promised. Say hi to all our friends in your new digs. I love you. David
Lori,
I am so glad that we were able to organize the event for Kenny in time. He showed such strength and grace staying there for nearly 4 hours. I didnt know him as well as others. But, his impact was clear by the numbers that showed up for his celebration on short notice during the holidays. Our thoughts are with you.
Steve & Ruth Simpson
Lori,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kenny was the best brother in-law I could ever ask for. I sure am going to miss him. He gets to be reunited with His Mom and Dad and of course Jeramiha Oh and lets not forget Dear OLD Frank and my mommy and your mommy. I think they will be having a big party up there without us.
I love you Lori and I am here for you anytime or Day just call. Kenny will be missed.
Love your sister always Debbie
Ken worked with my husband Jeff at Duratek for many years. I know his friendship meant a great deal to Jeff and to I. Jeff would often come home from work with a joke to tell me and I always knew which one’s were from Ken. He has an amazing spirit. Our thoughts are with Lori and all of Ken’s family and friends. Ken’s memory lives on in all of the hearts and minds of those lives that he touched.
Ken was a great man. He really knew how to enjoy life. He taught me a lot professionally and personally. He always had a funny joke to share and could liven up any situation. He will be missed.
We started our friendship in High School with a car hitting our motorcycle; Ken saved us both by laying it down and us sliding; we thought we were cool then because we got new shoes Wing-Tips – what you wore with Jeans thenout of it! I wasn’t here to be with Ken after school except on leave from the service, but we made up for it when I moved back here in 1991, and he, Ron Griswold, Tim VanReenan and I had a golf foursom; we played Ken’s tournament last summer was our last outing. An American Guy, and we’ll miss him.
Lori and family,
My thoughts and prayers.
Byrne
To Lori and the Family of Kenny:
My sincere heartfelt condolences go out to you at this time of your loss and sorrow. Kenny will be missed by so many; and you and he have touched so many lives. I, for one, will never forget meeting you two on December 8, 2006. I am honored that I could be there.
May God bless and give Kenny a special place there in heaven and may He guide you through your pain and sorrow to the peace you will find someday. Kenny is at peace and he would want you, his family, to be there too. Peace be with you and God bless you all.
Love,
Judy Willox ’61
Ken, You are a great friend and always will be. You will remain in my heart for ever; so make your self comfortable.
Lori, my sympathies and condolences. Please take care of yourself. We love you.
Teek & Sara
Dear Lori …
When I think of Kenny, I always think of his cute smile and what a nice guy he was. Our world is a little better because he was part of it.
Lori and family,
We were so thrilled to see Kenny and the great turnout at the Hampton Inn – and to give him a big hug. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult and sad time.
Marsha Goslin ’65 & Gary Brehm
Lori and Family,
My heartfelt prayers are with you in this time of sadness. Kenny will be missed by all who knew him. Know he is in a better place.
Always, Shanon and Tom Smith
Class of 1965
Kenny….To a very special person…you will be missed,but never forgotten
Ken Dame class of 68
Ken-
You will definately be missed. I will treasure your kindness and friendship and was fortunate to get to work and golf with you! It’s tearing me up that I could not visit you during your battle. Why didn’t I make the time? I know you would have. I am so sorry!
Thanks for all the good laughs and great spirits!
Lori, he loved you dearly and was so proud when he surprised you with that Mustang. He enjoyed sharing the remodeling of your kitchen and even though it was work and glitches during that time he knew the end result was well worth it because it made you happy. I will always remember the time you all came out with new sandwiches at work and had to drag me down there to try them….he was so proud of you and enjoyed talking about you. Thanks for your friendship and sharing him with us all at Energy Solutions Duratek.
Take care!
Angie Gagnon
I was surprised when Jenny told me of Ken’s passing. Ken was a wonderful friend to Kirk and his girls. If they play pool in Heaven I know Kirk and Ken are playing together.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you and your family and give you strength.
I am missing my son, kirk at this time also. Di’ane Eckstine Kirk’s Mom and Jenny and Heather’s grandmother
Ken became a good friend while working together on some tough jobs in 2003. He was such a support both professionally and personally. One of our close connections was through Cleo. His kindness in giving Cleo a loving home with his father will be remembered for a very long time…
I will always remember Kenny from my days with T. He was funny which made me laugh and pay attention, and sensitive which broadened my perspective of others,there were many fun times years ago.
You will be missed Kenny, was so glad to have been your friend and have the memories I do of you. Hope to see you in Heaven!!
Kenny will be missed. I could always count on him for a good laugh. He was also one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve known. I hope to have the same zest for life that he did.
To: Lori
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Ken was loved by many.
God Bless You.
Linda McKnight Hoban Bomber Class of 65
Kenny, I’m so glad we got to see one another in person one more time. Sorry I can’t be there on the 22nd…but I will be there in June just like I promised. Say hi to all our friends in your new digs. I love you. David
Hey Lori,
Darrell & I were saddened to hear about Ken. Even though I was only able to visit with you both a few times, they were great. Ken knew how to make people feel comfortable.
We have since moved to NM, but we will stop by in any of our future visits to Richland and visit with you. Take care of yourself…..
Joyce & Darrell Redd
Am so sad missing Kenny’s service, even though unavoidable; although I know he would understand. I love him so and will miss him always. More importantly, was able to love him in person at the recent celebration of his life and all who love him. I treasure my time with him, and finally with he and Lori. What a precious couple you are. Sending my love, thoughts and prayers your way. Forever, XO XO XO PJ
Ken will definitely be missed by his “other family”; those at EnergySolutions Duratek. He was a great friend and co-worker that we could always count on. He will be missed.
Quality Engineer.
Quality Kenny.
Thoughts and prayers are with all the family especially you, Lori.
don
Lori and family,
Kenny was a funny and terrific guy. I can remember him when we were in Jr.High and High school. He was a “cute skinny kid”. He was always friendly to everyone.
I was glad he was able to meet with fellow classmates and friends at the Hampton Inn. It was so good to give him a hug. He is now at peace and free from pain. He will be missed by all.
Patti Miller
Dear Lori and family, Kenny was always a friend, and I’ll miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Regards, Jim Heidlebaugh
To Kenny’s wife, children, and family my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband/father. He was a really special guy and the cutest boy in school! Love and Blessings to you all. Donna Fredette ’65
Kenny / Lori,
Kenny, you are one of the good ones … Love Ya Man !
I’ll say an extra one for you Lori. It is hard but know he is in a much better place now with out the pain.
Pat Caldwell
To Lori and Ken’s family; I can not attend the service for Ken but injoyed my visit with Ken at the Hampton Inn. I will always remember the great times we shared in hign school and from a follow Marine “Semper Fidelis”.
Guestbook for
Kenneth Allen Johnson