Kenneth Dearden

KENNETH DEARDEN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- The hero of our family, Kenneth Russell Dearden, 87, passed away at home surrounded by family on December 24, 2008, of natural causes. He was born in Idaho Falls on July 7, 1921, to Russell Aaron and Grace Summers Dearden. He began his career as a fire fighter with the City of Idaho Falls in about 1949. In 1959, he went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission’s fire department. He remained there for twenty years and retired from the Department of Energy as the Fire Chief in 1979. He was one of five people who received commendation from the AEC, for their exemplary service during the SL-1 Reactor explosion on January 3, 1961, in addition to several other citations. During retirement, Ken and LaJean enjoyed spending time with their family and living part of the time in Salmon, Idaho; Yuma, Arizona; and Riverton, Utah; in addition to keeping their home in Idaho Falls. Kenny was a decorated veteran of World War II. As a member of “The Greatest Generation,” he served in the South Pacific as a Radioman and Aerial Gunner. He was always reluctant to talk about the war, but he remained life-long friends with many of those with whom he served. Kenny was very popular to his family, friends, and most people he would meet. Young people, especially children, were drawn to his kind nature and his sincerity. He was a true outdoorsman and made the most of living in Idaho as a fisherman, hunter, skier, and wildlife enthusiast. He especially loved the shrill bugle of an elk and would often remark, “You know, not very many people get to hear that!” He was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, it was always worth listening. He took his responsibilities seriously and he would not bend when it came to character and integrity at any cost. His grandsons all say he is the toughest man they know, but his granddaughters call him by the nickname “Bubblegum.” He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Mary LaJean Clark Dearden; three children – Michael (Patty) Dearden, Daniel (Sandy) Dearden, and Molly (Kliff) Bare; seven grandchildren – Angie (Patrick) Cahill, Jeff Dearden, Jared (Melissa) Dearden, Katie (Billy) Butler, Eric Dearden, Courtney Hansen, and Blake Hansen; and five great grandchildren – Kylie Dearden, Ryan Cahill, Jocey Dearden, Zach Cahill, and Kenley Jean Butler. He has a surviving sister, Betty Donnelly. He was preceded in death by his brother, Hal Eames. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Kenny at the Idaho Falls Shilo Inn from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2009, in the Temple/River View rooms. Hors d’oeuvres served and a champagne toast at 7 p.m.; no host bar. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Wanda Hendricks Patterson pattersonw@cableone.net Dear Patty and MIke, Sorry to hear about your loss. Sue and Ken Dicus dicus.towne@gmail.com Dear Mike and Patty, Our hearts are tender and our prayers with you in the passing of your dad. I know you were devoted to him and that he loved you dearly. We hope that knowing we love and care for you will help in this time.