Kenneth Barclay

Kenneth (Ken) Barclay, a resident of Redondo Beach, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 in Torrance. Born in Rhondda, Wales, Kenneth was 89 when he died. Ken left school at 14 years to join his brothers & father in the coal mines. He survived mining accidents and the great depression, to enlist in the Royal Engineers, rank Sapper (US army rank of Private), in World War II. He was stationed in Austria. He entertained the troups with his beautiful tenor voice, singing in Paris on stage with comedian Red Skelton. He married Veronica May Barclay on April 3, 1954. After 32 years of marriage, she died in May 1986 at 58. He lived as a widow for his remaining years, enjoying his life with his three children & seven grandchildren. On his 80th birthday he returned for the last time to visit his family in Great Britain, to whom he remained very close, having travelled frequently home to the UK throughout his life. Ken loved to travel, visiting most of Europe. Immigrating to Canada with his new wife in the 1950's, they travelled route 66 to Santa Monica. There they settled for 19 years, before moving to New Zealand with their children in the 1970's. They returned to Palm Springs CA, where he lived until retirement. He worked in various professions from management for Sears service center to his last & favorite job, as Bell Captain in various resorts & hotels in Palm Springs CA. An entrepreneur, he owned and operated apartment buildings throughout his life. He retired in his mid 70's, moving to the beach in Costa Mesa CA. He spent his last 2 years in Redondo Beach, CA near his daughters.He loved soccer, played as a young adult in the UK. Was an avid fan throughout his life. He belonged to the Santa Monica British Soccer Club for many years, forming many lifetime friendships through the organization.Near the end of his life he sang with the Cor Cymraeg De Califfornia (Translation: Welsh Choir of California). He was nominated with the choir for a Grammy at 80 years old.Ken is survived by son, Byron Barclay, his wife Dani and their 4 children Cody, Colton, Kyle & Korbin of Riverside, CA; Daughter, Tina Barclay & her daughter Veronica of Redondo Beach, CA; Daughter, Dawn Bigley, her husband Doug and their 2 children, Jaden & Dylan, of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. He is also survived by three of his seven siblings, Raymond, Boyd and Keith Barclay, United Kingdom. He was preceded in death by his parents: Mary and Thomas Barclay, and his siblings Cyril, Doreen, Donald and Alistair.