Kenneth Kenny Wayne Garbarczyk

There are miracles you hear or read about in stories and then there are the ones you get to be a part of if you’re lucky. Kenneth Wayne Garbarczyk (Kenny G) was one of those miracles. Born on August 25, 1977, he grew up in Lansing, Illinois. Kenneth graduated from Thornton Fractional Township South High School in 1995 before proudly serving our Country in the Army until 1999.

Kenny’s life was, like many of our own lives, a sometimes rich and beautiful and sometimes dark and lonely journey that saw him through moments of love, peace, sadness, hope and purpose. We all know that there cannot be light without shadows—that’s the hope part, where you see moments of grace in your darkest hour. On February 28, 2012, Kenny chose a new way of living through the grace of God, his higher power and the help and guidance of many bright lights that would illuminate the path along the way.

He worked hard for the next couple of years, facing his fears and stepping through them to launch his life into the skies. Kenny was a Flight Leader for Delta Airlines, a career he took very seriously and with great pride. I remember pinning wings on his lapel during his graduation where Delta employees were charged to make an impact on the world around them every day. I thought to myself that he finally found a perfect match in an employer. He took this bright light into the skies with enormous pride in himself and Delta.

Kenny gave freely what was given to him—always pushing forward, climbing higher and taking us all along on his journey. He touched thousands of lives that span the globe who, I know, all share in our heartbreak over his loss. And yet, Kenny lives on for all of us who knew him. Because his story was a source of inspiration that miracles can and do happen; that a program of action heals and transforms and that life, for as long as you can live it, can be full of both happy and sad moments.

Kenny is predeceased by his Grandmother, Eleanor, whom he loved very much. And he is survived by several friends, his chosen family, of which there are too many to name. People around the world will mourn this incredible loss and hold memories close to their heart. The beautiful fact of Kenny’s life is simple. He ended up getting everything in life he wanted. He was surrounded by love. He freely gave love. He reconciled his whole life. Can you imagine a better end to a lifelong search? Kenny, may you have blue skies and tail winds always.

A Celebration of Kenny's Life will be held at H.M. Patterson & Son- Spring Hill on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Westview Cemetery.

With love, Zachary, Michael, Preston and the rest of your loving chosen family.