Kenneth Dignan Jr.

Bakersfield ~ Kenneth Francis Dignan, Jr, 64, died suddenly of a heart attack on January 13, 2011 at his mother’s home in Pacific Grove. Born November 17, 1946 in San Jose, he was the only child of Winifred Mitchell Dignan (10/19/14 - 06/28/11) and Kenneth F. Dignan, Sr. (08/09/12 - 06/29/96). Ken moved to Pacific Grove in 1948 at the age of two when his father was hired by PG Unified School District. he attended local grade schools and was a pitcher for the varsity baseball team, graduating from Pacific Grove High School in 1964. Ken attended Monterey Peninsula College and Bakersfield College. He worked for the old National Automotive Fiber, Inc., plant in Pacific Grove, as well as for the Grove’s Hector deSmet Bakery. He met the love of his life, Kathleen Skotland, at the boardwalk in Santa Cruz the summer of 1966. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year.

Ken lived in Bakersfield for many years and retired from a 27-year career as a National Account Executive with Pacific Bell. Though proud of his achievements for his employer - he designed and patented products and won major accounts for Pacific Bell - he was also well known in the community for his efforts to improve educational programs for children with disabilities.

Ken loved sports, especially baseball and auto racing, NASCAR in particular. He also enjoyed his motorcycle and model trains. At the time of his death, he was involved with The Little Car Show, a display of vintage mini and micro cars that had its staging in Pacific Grove last August during the Monterey Historic Auto Week.

Ken will be remembered for his ready wit, kind heart and deep love of family and friends. He was a genuine person who cared about others, a man whose word counted.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Matthew Scott (Lisa) Dignan, and daughter, Laurie Colleen Burgin of Monterey and son, Timothy Patrick Dignan of Bakersfield. Also, his three grandchildren, India Rose Burgin, Sean Michelangelo Burgin and River Preston Burgin will greatly miss his smiles and laughter.

Although he had lived in Kern County for many years, Ken visited Pacific Grove regularly to see his family and the many friends he maintained here. He was proud to be from “The Last Hometown”. At the time of Ken’s death, he and Kathie were planning their relocation to Pacific Grove.

Ken’s memorial was held at El Carmelo Cemetery, Pacific Grove on April 21, 2011. Memorial contributions, if any, may be made to the non-profit organization Marina Motorsports, PO Box 2570, Monterey, CA 93940.