Memories of Kenneth James Comerford | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Kenneth James Comerford

Aurora, CO, USA

June 22, 1934 - November 24, 2019

Jun 22, 1934 - Nov 24, 2019

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Brian Comerford

2003, Houston, TX, USA

Submitting today in commemoration of 100 Days - 3/3/2020: In 2003, on December 1st, toward the end of a Thanksgiving holiday visit, I recorded a two-hour interview session with my father, Ken. This recording has been captured in two parts and uploaded to YouTube. Transcripts are also available - just click the ellipses next to the 'Share' button to open the option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch… (part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch… (part 2)

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Mani Kandasamy

2017, Overland Pond Park, West Florida Avenue, Denver, CO, USA

Unforgettable memory with Grandpa Ken

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Brian Comerford

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Brian Comerford

These pictures are so wonderful, and I so appreciate you posting them! Grandpa Ken loved your entire family,... Read more These pictures are so wonderful, and I so appreciate you posting them! Grandpa Ken loved your entire family, and he was very lucky... Read more These pictures are so wonderful, and I so appreciate... Read more

Mani Kandasamy

2017, Overland Pond Park, West Florida Avenue, Denver, CO, USA

Our family with Grandpa Ken

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Brian Comerford

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Mani Kandasamy

Grandpa Ken found friends from other side of the world. Grandpa Ken found friends from other side of the world. Grandpa Ken found friends from other side of the world.... Read more

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Mani Kandasamy

2016, Aurora, CO, USA

Grandpa Ken with Sharvin

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Brian Comerford

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Mani Kandasamy

Two happy souls. Two happy souls. Two happy souls.

Cheryl Comer

They must be enjoying one of Bodhi’s events They must be enjoying one of Bodhi’s events They must be enjoying one of Bodhi’s events

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Hi Brian,

Please share this with Kevin and the rest of the family.

It’s been a while since we last chatted. Isn’t it ironic how life gets in the way and death seems to bring us back together?

I had taken mom (Aunt Cheryl) out for a birthday brunch on Saturday and of course he passed on Sunday. During brunch I shared with mom about some of the conversations Uncle Ken and I had shared over the years about spirituality and quality of life versus quantity. Over the years we had a number of these conversations of which, my main take away was that Uncle Ken was not afraid of death, in fact, fully believed there was something more waiting for him beyond this life.

These “deep” conversations weren’t the only ones we had. He was a great listener too and even after he aged in to his 70’s (my early 40’s maybe) could recall conversations we had decades prior. One such conversation had occurred when mom, Jeff, and I visited all of you up in Cheyenne. I was about 14 at the time. Uncle Ken had taken us to a lake outside of town for an afternoon picnic and swim. During our outing we chatted about football, movies, board games and my hatred of school and just how boring it was to me. He looked at me and took a deep breath in and said, “Johnny, once you find something you’re interested in you’ll know it”. Well, 4 years, then 8 years went by and I was beginning to think the man was nuts! I still had as much interest in school as I did in having a root canal, broken leg, or worse, jock itch.

I was now in my early 20’s . I had only taken a class or two over the past couple of years and toiling in a minimum wage job working as a mail clerk for a regional pharmacy (Super X, think of it as a 1/3 the size of CVS). Low and behold this is where I met my future wife!

Over the next few years life had gotten in the way. I had moved my paternal grandfather in with us, bought a new house and not one (1) but three (3) failed back surgeries. Six months later my grandfather passed away and I was unable to work. During this time I completed my bachelors degree online and enrolled in a masters program, which I was able to complete in 20 months. Anyway, back to the point of my story above (I’m not senile I just enjoy short road trips ). Kami and I had been married for over 10 years when your mom and dad came out to visit us in Phoenix at Christmas time. Standing in the living room, Uncle Ken turned slightly off to my left, with a smirkish grin and said, “So you found what interested you”. I immediately knew what he was referring to and I replied, “Yeah, it took a while because I’m a little thick headed”. Uncle Ken gave out a big belly laugh, the one where his shoulders pull back and he’s looking more toward the ceiling than at you, with his mouth wide open. He patted me on the shoulder and said, “I’m really happy for you Johnny”.

You see, this sums up your dad perfectly. He was smart, kind, friendly, and caring. I didn’t have to speak with Uncle Ken often but when we did, we were able to pick right up where we had left off. We shared Christmas cards, exchanged emails on occasion, and spoke on the phone from time to time. Some might think we weren’t close, but I disagree. We had special connection and we didn’t have to have constant communication to appreciate one another. I will miss him.

All my love,

John

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

This story is from John Hobson III to Kevin, Brian and families! jmh31966@q.com This story is from John Hobson III to Kevin, Brian and families! jmh31966@q.com This story is from John Hobson III to Kevin, Brian ... Read more

Brian Comerford

Your words truly touch my heart, John, thank you Your words truly touch my heart, John, thank you Your words truly touch my heart, John, thank you

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Wayne and I give our condolences to Kevin & Joann Comerford, Brian & Nisa Comerford for the loss of their beloved father, Kenneth.
We offer condolences also to our special great-nephew, Bodhi Comerford, who is Ken's only grandchild. Bodhi, your grandfather was soooo proud of you for your academic success and participation in sports! He loved you very much. I am certain he still does and he will be keeping a watchful eye on you as you make your path through life. He has much to be proud of! Love, Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Wayne

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

From Shea Comerford From Shea Comerford From Shea Comerford

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

From Shea
I don't have many memories of Uncle Ken from my childhood, as we did not see each other a lot... Read more From Shea
I don't have many memories of Uncle Ken from my childhood, as we did not see each other a lot when I was growing up.... Read more From Shea
I don't have many memories of Uncle Ken... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

From Tamara. 
I would like to offer this poem by Mary Oliver in memory of Uncle Ken. He was a man who truly explored every facet of life to the fullest and brought meaning, knowledge and enlightenment to himself and others. Uncle Ken left behind a legacy precious to those who knew and loved him. Farewell and Safe Journey, Uncle Ken. I know in my heart your explorations are still continuing though you are gone from our sight. I love you.

WHEN DEATH COMES by Mary Oliver

When death comes 
like the hungry bear in autumn; 
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse

to buy me, and snaps the purse shut; 
when death comes 
like the measle-pox

when death comes 
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,

I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: 
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?

And therefore I look upon everything 
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood, 
and I look upon time as no more than an idea, 
and I consider eternity as another possibility,

and I think of each life as a flower, as common 
as a field daisy, and as singular,

and each name a comfortable music in the mouth, 
tending, as all music does, toward silence,

and each body a lion of courage, and something 
precious to the earth.

When it's over, I want to say all my life 
I was a bride married to amazement. 
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

When it's over, I don't want to wonder 
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.

I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened, 
or full of argument. 
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world

From Tamara.
I would like to offer this poem by Mary Oliver in memory of Uncle Ken. He was a man who truly... Read more From Tamara.
I would like to offer this poem by Mary Oliver in memory of Uncle Ken. He was a man who truly explored every facet... Read more From Tamara.
I would like to offer this poem by Mary... Read more

Brian Comerford

Thank you so much, Shea & Tamara for your lovely remembrances! So loving, so appreciated. Thank you so much, Shea & Tamara for your lovely remembrances! So loving, so appreciated. Thank you so much, Shea & Tamara for your lovely remembrances!... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

My Big Brother, Kenny!
By Cheryl Comerford Comer
December 4, 2019

Kenneth James Comerford was born June 22, 1934. Ken’s life was full of highs and lows. Many things were difficult for him and many other things were easy. Kenny weighed 12 lbs. when he came into this world breach birth! That was difficult! I don’t know how our 5’2”, eyes of blue mother, Bernice, was able to endure this event and go on to have 3 more children.
Having polio at age 3 or 4 was also difficult! He was sitting on the floor playing and couldn’t get up. Dad picked him up and his legs remained folded, unable to straighten out. As a result, Kenny had one foot larger than the other and maybe a couple of other smaller side effects.
My first memories of Kenny were hearing him play the piano. Yes, Kenny was quite an accomplished pianist during elementary school. Playing piano and reading were somethings he could do when he had to stay indoors while other children played outside. He was limited because of his asthma and the fact that he had frequent bouts of pneumonia. Kenny’s health was the reason for Harold and Bernice to move us to Miami Arizona. It was at Harriet and George Short’s home where I heard him play “Ghost Riders In the Sky”. I thought it was wonderful and can hear it to this day.
Kenny was 10 years older than me. When we moved in 1946 from Cortland, New York to our Central Heights, Arizona home (in between Globe and Miami, AZ), Kenny and I shared a large bedroom. His bed had lots of pillows to keep him almost sitting up so he could breath better. It was not unusual to wake up in the middle of the night to see my mother caring for Kenny with a steamed pot of water and a towel over his head. I’m not certain what was in the water, but it helped ease his breathing. Slowly but surely Kenny began to get stronger with the Arizona dry heat and no snow or ice to worry about.
I liked it when he felt good because he was lots of fun. Kenny was a magician! One of his prized possessions was a cloth bag which he could turn inside out to show nothing was in it, then WALLA! He could magically produce a white wooden egg! I was delighted every time he did this trick and he was delighted to have such an adoring audience while perfecting this skill. Kenny also had a small chest with many drawers. Again, he showed the chest had nothing in it. With a couple of Abracadabras he could open the right drawer with money in it! What fun!
On August 5, 1949 our dear, sweet mother, Bernice, passed at the age of 35 years. This was a life changing event for all of our family. We had lost the heart of the family! Kenny was quite angry with God for taking our mother from us. This was the beginning of a soul-searching quest for him which lasted several years. The end result would be a new understanding of our Creator and a deeper spirituality for Kenny.
Two years after our mother’s death, Ken was selected to be an Arizona Boy’s State attendee. The following year 1952 he graduated Valedictorian of Miami High School. This was easy for Kenny. How proud his mother would be!
After high school Ken attended a semester at ASU which he could not complete because of asthma problems. He returned home and took a job at one of the copper mines. Then he and brother, Tommy, decided to join the Air Force during the Korean War. Kenny was trained as a cryptographer and was stationed at St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada where he rose to Master Sargent in less than 3 years! That was easy! There is evidently such a thing as a “dry cold” because Kenny was in good health during his stay in Newfoundland.
When Ken returned from the USAF he received a full scholarship to the Thunderbird School of International Business contingent on passing a medical exam. Because of his scared lungs from asthma and pneumonia he lost his scholarship. That was difficult! Once again Ken went back to Arizona State University. Early on he was invited to a college friend’s house party where he met the love of his life, Dian Cunningham! There was no looking back for either of them! Three weeks later Ken brought Dian to Globe to meet our parents and family. During that weekend they decided to get married! Step-brother, Bobby Short and his wife, Diane drove them to Nogalas, Mexico to be married! Love at first sight! That was easy!
Dian worked while Ken went to ASU on his G.I. Bill. Like all academic efforts for Ken, he excelled by graduating Summa Cum Laude! The top of his class! That was EASY! After graduation Ken worked for Westinghouse in Phoenix. He was then promoted to a position in Tucson where their first-born son, Kevin was born. Yeah! All was going well until one night Ken met with Bill Larson, a Miami High School friend who was at this time County Attorney in Nogales. On his way home that night on a dark country road he hit the back of a stopped truck with no tail lights! It was a horrible, serious accident! Early the next morning Dad, Tommy and Emmy Lu and I drove to Tucson to wait to see if Ken would live or die! In the accident Ken had broken the steering wheel with his chest and smashed the windshield with his head. That was difficult! The police thought he was dead. It caused them to change course andCalifornia where Ken’s spiritual quest continued. Their second son, Brian was born in Santa Rosa in 1971.
The “Love at first sight” romance that took place so quickly, proved any nay sayers wrong about whether it would last. Last it did for 53 years when Dian passed in 2012. That was the second life changing event in Ken’s life and it was DIFFICULT! By this time Ken had learned to turn adversity into something positive. He wrote a book in collaboration with his beloved wife Dian, We Are Spirit: An Immortal Love Story That Spans Two Worlds - That was easy!

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Brian Comerford

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Brian Comerford

Wow, what a terrific tale you tell, in that conversational style of yours that makes me hear the words coming... Read more Wow, what a terrific tale you tell, in that conversational style of yours that makes me hear the words coming direct from your... Read more Wow, what a terrific tale you tell, in that conversational... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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John Stevens

Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

June 22, 2019- Mexican Cruise with Brian, Nisa and Bodhi to celebrate Ken's 85th birthday! Such a perfect... Read more June 22, 2019- Mexican Cruise with Brian, Nisa and Bodhi to celebrate Ken's 85th birthday! Such a perfect 85th Birthday! June 22, 2019- Mexican Cruise with Brian, Nisa and ... Read more

Brian Comerford

We are so blessed to have been able to spend that time - and at just "the right time" as it turns out. You... Read more We are so blessed to have been able to spend that time - and at just "the right time" as it turns out. You can see on all of our... Read more We are so blessed to have been able to spend that time... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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John Stevens

Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Ca. 1980- Sons Kevin, Brian and Ken- probably Cheyenne, WY. Ca. 1980- Sons Kevin, Brian and Ken- probably Cheyenne, WY. Ca. 1980- Sons Kevin, Brian and Ken- probably Cheyenne,... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

1982- Ken's visit to sister Cheryl's home in Phoenix, AZ with father Harold Comerford and nephews John and... Read more 1982- Ken's visit to sister Cheryl's home in Phoenix, AZ with father Harold Comerford and nephews John and Jeff Hobson. 1982- Ken's visit to sister Cheryl's home in Phoenix,... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Shortly after marrying Dian Cunningham August 21, 1957 at Nogales, Mexico. They resided in Tempe while Ken... Read more Shortly after marrying Dian Cunningham August 21, 1957 at Nogales, Mexico. They resided in Tempe while Ken attended ASU where... Read more Shortly after marrying Dian Cunningham August 21, 1957... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Ca. 1953 Ken entered USAF-became Master Sargent in less than 3 yrs. He was trained as a cryptologist decoding... Read more Ca. 1953 Ken entered USAF-became Master Sargent in less than 3 yrs. He was trained as a cryptologist decoding secret/Russian ... Read more Ca. 1953 Ken entered USAF-became Master Sargent in ... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

John Stevens

Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

1953 430 E Mesquite St, Globe, AZ- Ken 18, Cheryl 8, Bobby 13 & Tommy 16 in chair. 1953 430 E Mesquite St, Globe, AZ- Ken 18, Cheryl 8, Bobby 13 & Tommy 16 in chair. 1953 430 E Mesquite St, Globe, AZ- Ken 18, Cheryl 8,... Read more

Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Shared a heart

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Brian Comerford

John Stevens

Kenneth and the boys 😊

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

May 2012 at Willis, TX: son Brian Comerford; cousin John Stevens; Kenneth Comerford; cousin Floyd Comerford... Read more May 2012 at Willis, TX: son Brian Comerford; cousin John Stevens; Kenneth Comerford; cousin Floyd Comerford and son Kevin Comerford... Read more May 2012 at Willis, TX: son Brian Comerford; cousin... Read more

Brian Comerford

Having the support of sons & cousins after Dian's passing really helped ease the burden for Ken. For all ... Read more Having the support of sons & cousins after Dian's passing really helped ease the burden for Ken. For all of our family, really.... Read more Having the support of sons & cousins after Dian's passing... Read more

John Stevens

2018

Wonderful family visit 💕

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Brian Comerford

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Cheryl and Wayne Comer

Brian Comerford, John and Sally Stevens, Ken Comerford; Bodhi & Nisa Comerford. Brian Comerford, John and Sally Stevens, Ken Comerford; Bodhi & Nisa Comerford. Brian Comerford, John and Sally Stevens, Ken Comerford;... Read more

Brian Comerford

We all had such a great time, and I'm so thankful you made this visit happen! Ken had so much love for you... Read more We all had such a great time, and I'm so thankful you made this visit happen! Ken had so much love for you and your family! We all had such a great time, and I'm so thankful you... Read more

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