Kenneth Ralph Braidwood of Naples, FL died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was blessed with a long life, a few weeks shy of 96 years old, and used each day to spread happiness to others.
Ken was born to Ralph and Muriel Braidwood on May 10, 1928 in Romeo, MI and graduated from Baldwin High School in Birmingham in 1947. His family moved to Birmingham when he was young, and he loved spending his summers with his grandparents at the farm in Almont and at the blacksmith shop in Romeo. After graduation, he traveled around the country, hitchhiking, roadtripping to California with friends, and driving his Model A from Michigan to Florida and back. On November 12, 1949, he married Ruth Pennington and they welcomed seven children into their lives. Ken and Ruth were fortunate to spend more than 70 years together.
Ken had a strong work ethic and positive attitude. While in Michigan, he worked in printing and continued that career when he moved the family to Florida in 1973, working for Naples Printing and Press Printing in Ft. Myers. After retirement, he kept busy tinkering around the house, working in his yard, growing orchids and pineapples, and walking his beloved dogs (Lady, Maya, and Daisy). When he was younger, he dreamed of being a cowboy, so it’s no surprise that his two heroes were John Wayne and Gordie Howe – each cowboys in their own right.
Ken made friends everywhere with his easygoing nature and genuine interest in others. He attended every Naples High School home softball and football game for many years and was an avid fan of Detroit sports (Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers). He had a mischievous wink and a kind nature that would make you smile, and he never missed an opportunity to tell those he cared about that he loved them, often telling them to “be good.”
He was known also as Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his sister Barb (Braidwood) Blaisus, his seven children: Sue Holder (Al Clark), Kim Gusse, Ken Braidwood (Eunice Kindle), Craig Braidwood (Sue), Mary Kronenberg (Ed), Nancy Harris (Kevin), and Ralph Braidwood, twelve grandchildren: Jen Adams, Joe Holder (Kelly), Angela Gusse (Joel Lane), Kristy Smith (Tony), Don Gusse, Marc Gusse, Travis Braidwood (David Spence), Jordan Braidwood (Chris Dailey), Nick Costanzo, Alex Braidwood (Jessica), TK Harris, and Kenneth Braidwood (Chiara), and eleven great-grandchildren: Trevor, Meghan, Kiera, Kendra, Joslyn, Chloe, Brady, Tyler, Bella, Mackenzie, and Emma.
He was welcomed in heaven by his beloved wife, Ruth (Pennington)
Braidwood, brother John Braidwood, sister-in-law Ardys Braidwood, brother-in-law Richard Blaisus, parents Ralph and Muriel Braidwood, son-in-law Mick Holder, daughter-in-law Patti Braidwood and great-granddaughter Samantha Smith.
A service will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N in Naples FL on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 am. A family gathering will also be held in Michigan to celebrate Ken and Ruth later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the Collier County Humane Society or AVOW Hospice in Ken’s memory.
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