Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Remembering Uncle Kenny...


Kenneth E. Behen
1922 - 2011
This Memorial Day had an even more personal meaning this year as last week
our family lost our dear Uncle Kenny.
Kenny was at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day in 1941, and to hear him tell the stories of seeing the Zero pilots faces as they flew low,
brought history back to the forefront.
He was also in the Korean War conflict as a Naval Seabee and devoted 27 years to the Long Beach Naval Ship yard.
 Kenny was a master wood worker and a visit to his shop was like visiting The New Yankee Workshop, but with a slightly rustic flair,with every tool imaginable hanging from the walls, rafters, and tucked in drawers. The smell of freshly cut aromatic wood was sweet perfume, with undertones of lacquers and stains.
A quiet, unassuming family man, with bear paw hands, a heart of gold and a mile wide smile.
He's greatly missed.
In loving Memory.

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky

As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh


Hawaiian Plumaria

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice Memorial post Deb, may Uncle Kenny rest in peace! Hugs Marilou

Elizabeth McCrindle said...

Sorry for your loss Deb he sounds like he was quite a guy. A fitting tribute to him x

Gina said...

Great post, Deb!! We will definitely miss him. Heaven certainly gained one of the best... until we see you again, Uncle Kenney. With love...

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

I'm so sorry. He sounded like a true patriot.

A belated thank you to him for protecting our country.

Jill

Grandma A said...

GREAT TRIBUTE DEB.....HE WAS A "GENTLE GIANT" OF A MAN!! HE IS SORELY MISSED BUT WILL LIVE ON IN
ALL OF OUR HEARTS....HUGS, DAD & CAROLE

Jennifer MacNeill said...

So sorry to hear about your uncle. Sounds like he was an amazing man!