Kenneth G. Given, 86, of Nampa, ID passed away in the comfort of his home, on March 1, 2019, surrounded by his loved ones.
Kenneth was born September 12, 1932 to Garrett and Ona Given in Frametown, West Virginia. He grew up in a big family; being one of ten children. He told many stories to his children and grandchildren about growing up on the Holler of West Virginia where he spent most of his time coon hunting. He always enjoyed sharing the story of the time he accidently shot his dog, Boots; luckily he survived but was afraid of him after that; unlike the neighbor’s cat that Ken had mistaken as a raccoon.
Ken joined the Army Reserves when he was 19 and was honorably discharged in January of 1954.
In 1954, he moved to Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Ruth. They met while working together at CE Ward Company making uniforms and graduation gowns. They married six months later on September 5, 1954. Ken and Ruth have five children; Ken, Cathy, Billy, Bonnie and Richard.
Ken and Ruth decided to move their family to California in 1964 to start a new life. Ken worked as a bakery driver for Helms, delivering baked goods door to door. His children have fond memories of joining him on deliveries. He worked odd jobs here and there, one as a mechanic and a gas attendant, but he later spent many years working for Reynolds Metal in Torrance, CA where he drove a fork lift and later worked as a supervisor for twenty years. He retired in the late 80’s.
In 2000, Ken and Ruth moved to Idaho where they built their home and spent the last 19 years together. They would have been married 65 years in September.
Ken wore many hats. He was a jack of all trades. He was an amazing wood worker; he always enjoyed building things. There really was nothing he couldn’t build. He enjoyed working on cars, being outdoors, fishing, and attending Lakeview Bible Church in Nampa. He took pride in his yard and making sure his lawn always looked amazing, but most of all, he took pride in his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His family was everything to him and his stories and memory will live on through them.
Ken is survived by his wife Ruth, his siblings: Mac and Olen of Ohio, Joe of Virginia, Faye and Dick of West Virginia and Donald of Idaho; children; Ken (Grace) of California, Cathy (Rick) of Idaho, Billy (Pia) of Illinois, Bonnie (Ralph) of Idaho, and Richard of Idaho; grandchildren: Jeremy, Raymond, Matthew (Arriane), Daniel (Ashley), Michelle (David) and Holly; and great grandchildren: Gwen, Brad, Kyana, Raymond, Myles, Lennox, Nela and a great grandson that is due in May.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings John, Henry and Olive.
The family would like to thank St. Alphonsus Hospital in Nampa, ID and Encompass Hospice of Boise for their kindness, compassion and attentiveness to Ken and his family. They would also like to thank Cloverdale Funeral Home for their care and support during this time.
Ken loved life. He was an honest, hardworking, genuine man. He loved his wife Ruth with all of his heart. She was his soulmate; his one true love. He taught his children many lessons in life, and passed those lessons on to his grandchildren as well. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He will be missed by many. We will never forget his smile, his laugh, or the stories he would tell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Lakeview Bible Church in Nampa, Idaho.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1pm at Lakeview Bible Church in Nampa.