Dr. Kenyon F. Tillotson. 8/22/1956 - 6/10/2018 Survived by his devoted wife, Jackie, loving children: son Bradley, daughter-in-law Megan, and daughter Kelsey. Also survived by sisters Joanne and Susanne, and brother and fellow Marine, Jay. He was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Don Tillotson and brother Don and sister-in-law, Ann. One of five children, his childhood started in New England, then the family moved to the midwest. As a teen athlete, Ken excelled in basketball and golf, but golf became the love he continued throughout his life, and later shared with his son.
Ken went to college for a year but decided he wanted to serve his country. He was proud of his honorable service as a Marine and was retired from the Marine Corps after the accident that left him a paraplegic. He never let his injuries prevent him from actively participating in life. He was an avid wheelchair athlete, playing tennis, basketball, and especially golf. There was never an obstacle that kept him from achieving all that he could attain.
Ken and his parents were living in Michigan when he was injured. They moved to Florida and chose Tampa because of the wheelchair-accessibility of USF and the reputation of medical facilities through the VA. He met Jackie while visiting a good friend in a local hospital. Jackie and a friend were also visiting with his friend. Over the next several days they would meet with each other and talk for hours on end. Days became years and Ken and Jackie decided to spend their lives together. He could not have picked a more loving, devoted wife. They were both strong advocates for all paralyzed people, and Jackie was always Ken’s strongest advocate.
Ken’s life was blessed with his two children, Bradley and Kelsey. There is not a more loved father than Ken. He was active in his children’s lives, from letting them ride on his feet, or lap, to driving them to and from school and the many activities and lessons they participated in. He did everything with a smile on his face and love in his heart.
Ken never let his disability define him. He never dwelt on being in a wheelchair. When you met Ken, you saw the man, not the chair. He had challenges, but he met them headlong and overcame them. He played tennis, basketball, and golf, and was good at them all! He loved playing poker with a group of friends that spanned over 15 years.
Ken was always trying new things. His jobs over the years ranged from installing stereo systems to being a professional photographer, with his own darkroom and theater. He always enjoyed learning new things, which was culminated with his decision to pursue a PhD in Educational Psychology. His dedication to this goal endured through more health challenges, but he persevered and received his degree when he was in his late 50’s. It was one of his accomplishments of which both he and his family, were most proud. He had become a training specialist with the VA, and was eager to share his knowledge and training with others. He was instrumental in his VA to becoming the first in the nation to get 100% compliance of training of employees, and a year before it was required. He earned the respect and love of all his colleagues. Yes, love. Everyone who ever came to know Ken loved him, his sense of humor, his interest in everyone, his interest in life itself. He will be missed.
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