One November, Kathy called to say that she and Ken weren’t going to make it up to Chicago for Christmas. Money was a little tight. And we all knew how much Ken the Texan disliked the cold and snow. While we were all gathered for Christmas, we were visited by two mysterious Santas decked out in red suits, full beards, and sun glasses. One of the adult nieces read a poem the two Santas had silently handed her when they had came in. When the poem was over, the Santas pulled off their beards and sun glasses . . . and, as you have guessed, it was Ken and Kathy. That’s the kind of guy that Ken was. If Kathy wanted to be with her family for Christmas, not only was he going to make sure she got there, he was going to make sure she got there in style.
Ken was a gifted storyteller. Despite his slooooow Texas delivery, he could hold my attention for long stretches. He loved to spin tales about his days working in the auction business or his exploits buying and selling. Several years ago, he bought several large, stainless steel cages at a state auction. When he got home, he cold called several veterinarians over the phone. No one was interested. Finally, he loaded the cages back up onto his flatbed trailer. He pulled up to a local veterinarian’s office and stacked them near the front door. He went inside and talked to the veterinarian/clinic owner. Ken explained that he was making a trip into Houston and he would be coming back through this way tomorrow. At that time, if the vet didn’t want the cages, Ken would load them all back up and take them home. Ken left them near the veterinarian’s front door for the next 24 hours and then came back the next day.
The vet gave Ken the $1200 dollars he was asking.
Played like a pro.
Ken was not always a Christian. He never really regaled me with stories from back in the day. I think he took no pride in how he had lived his life before he was a Christian. I got the impression that Ken’s life broken into two distinct halves: before and after he become a Christian. Ken definitely lived by a very distinct moral code. I never heard a foul word come out of his mouth. He was honest, straight-shooting, hard-working, generous, and self-reliant.
Kathy’s son Shaun, who has his own excavating company and has done well for himself since graduating college, attributes his success -in large part- to Ken's mentoring, guidance, and example.
I just pray that the way that Ken steadfastly adhered to his faith and attempted to live out that faith will continue to be as much of an example to his family and friends in death as it was in life.
Ken, you were a man among men. I have a lot of fond memories of our times together. I always had a lot of regard for you. I was proud to call you brother-in-law. You will be sorely missed.
Kathy, our hearts go out to you. We are so sorry that we couldn’t be there for you in your hour of need. But please know that despite the distance, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack
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