Kennard died on March 6, 2018, at age 82. He was born in Spokane, Washington on August 22, 1935 to Arthur and Eneth Gerl. He grew up in Wilbur, Washington, graduating high school in 1953. He received his BA in Business Administration and Army Commission from Washington State University in 1957. After two years’ active duty with the U.S. Army at Ford Ord in Monterey, California, he continued in the Army Reserve for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. From 1960-98 he worked for Texaco, Inc as a Marketing Representative in various positions in Washington, Oregon and Hawaii.
He is survived by his wife, Gay of 35 years; children Randy Gerl and Jennifer Leeden (Ben); stepsons Brian and Keith O’Hair (Kim) ; five grandchildren—Lauren Leeden, Michael, Henry and Ryan O’Hair, and Heidi O’Neil (Ben); and three great-grandchildren—Adam, Amy and Audrey O’Hair. A beloved husband, dad, grandpa and friend, he will be greatly missed.
Services at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Washington on March 30, 2018 at 10:30AM. Celebration of Life and Reception to follow at 12:30PM at Greenwood Memorial Park, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reserve Officers Association or a charity of your choice.