Kenneth Faires

Born July 21,1980, in Catawba County, he was a son of the late Richard B. Faires and survived by his mother Joyce Faires.

He was educated at South Caldwell High School, the U.S. Naval Academy, North Carolina State University, the U.S. Navy, and Washington State University.

After years of dedicated study and distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, Ken finished his PHD in engineering from Washington State University in 2013. His lifelong projects were aimed to better the world we live in by saving our forestry and increasing the use of renewable resources. Ken was a man of many talents and while often quiet, he would come alive when talking about science and the potential for it to better both man and the Earth. The world has suffered a great loss with his mind now at rest. While a man of vision, Ken never hesitated to stop and help out his fellow man. He gave all to see others supported and cared for, far above his own needs or wants. He always managed to touch the lives of everyone around him and inspired nothing less than fierce loyalty from those he called friend.

In addition to his mother, Ken is survived by his sisters Penny and Angie; Angie's three children, Mandy, Brett and Trey; and by his brother Jason, though not by blood a brother just the same.