Kenneth M. Workman
January 27, 1930 - October 2, 2019
Kenneth M. Workman
Our Special Events Grandpa
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend died on October 2, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 27, 1930 in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Thelma Clark and Francis Workman. After graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He enrolled in the University of Colorado where he became the first member of his family to earn a Bachelors Degree. In 1959 he met and married Ann Shoemaker. The majority of his career he worked as an accountant at Hill Air Force Base and retired in 1986. The most important things in his life were his family, education, sports, appreciation of the outdoors and cocktail hour with his wife. An outdoor enthusiast, he was an avid hiker, skier, kayaker, fly fisher, camper and backpacker. He passed down his love of outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He was a bowler, golfer and volunteer. He coached many of his children’s youth sports teams.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Tamara (Jerry) Gonsiewski, Robert (Julia), Raymond (Michelle), Michael (Sue), Jennifer (Peter) Thomas; 14 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and two sisters Gay Keeble and Thelma Gasto.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Orald and twin sisters Joyce and Jody.
Pray with his family at a Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 9 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4050 South 3900 West, West Haven, UT and/or celebrate his life at a luncheon immediately following mass, also at the church. He will be laid to rest in a private burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Kenneth was a 50+ year member of the Sierra Club; kindly consider donations in his memory in lieu of flowers by clicking the donate link above.
In Loving Memory
Dear Dad, Words cannot express my gratitude for the love and support you have given me and my family and for everything you have taught me about life. I will miss you more than you will ever know and every time my fly lands on the water, the sun sets over the desert and with every powder turn, I will enjoy having you there with me. Rest peacefully Kenny The Kid, you're one of a kind. Love, Michael James.
Michael J. Workman
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Ken was a wonderful man. He always made me feel special by greeting me with a hug, a kiss and remembering my name. He will be greatly missed.
Robin Eskridge
nan, nan
Dear Ann and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Ann worked with my Mother Natalie, and I always felt they held each other in high regard. Please know you and yours are given best wishes always. Godspeed Ken.
David Kozlowski
Boulder City, NV
I’m just finding out about Ken’s passing today. With a heavy heart, I think of all the fond memories this great man leaves with me. The Workman’s welcomed all of their children’s friends into their home with open arms, treating us like their own. This man taught me how to play basketball and how to shoot a foul shot with the famous goose neck!! I remember him yelling at the whole bunch if we all did something we weren’t supposed to. That’s what makes me smile and why I say he treated us like his own. There was so much love, fun and good times to be had at their house. He will truly be missed and I for one am glad he was such a huge part of my life growing up.
Shauntie Colunga
West Haven, UT
Jen and family, We are thinking of all of you and so sorry for your loss but so happy for you that you had such an incredible force in your lives. Rally around one another and celebrate his memory by staying a closely knit group. All the love in the world, Lauren, Scott, Andy & Theo ❤
lauren Ziaks
MIDWAY, UT
Ann, Jen, and all of your wonderful family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I have such wonderful memories of Ken and his family. I remember when we skied with our families at Snowbasin. I also remember an awesome early morning breakfast up Millcreek Canyon at Church Fork. Mostly I remember his love for the outdoors and his family. I feel so lucky that he included us in his family. Sweet sleep my dear man! Love, Pål
Paal Tveit
SLC, UT
My warm memories of Ken Workman always make me smile. Going camping with Ken? Pack the supplies orderly and correctly (or else he would unpack it all and start over). Going in the canoo with him? You will learn the correct way to paddle and steer (the correct way was always Ken's way��). Challenge him to a ping pong game, he will beat you and playing by the correct rules was an absolute. He made sure all of his children had a savings for college and who could forget the "paper route" . I still remember which houses took the paper ��. I can see Ken delivering the papers himself when either Jen or Mike were participating in sports after school. His kids' futures were priority #1. He taught me how to shoot a basketball, hit a softball, properly dig a latrine, pitch a tent, pack for an outing , play ping pong, steer a canoo, and I could go on and on. I hope he knows how much he meant to me as the father I wish I had. He set an example for everyone to follow by the way he lived his life to the fullest and treated orhers with love and respect. I love you all Workman family. I know he is missed, but I am sure he is in Heaven right now watching over all of his family, waiting for Ann to join him one day.
Michele Opheikens
Roy, UT
Dear Workman Family, Tama and I share in your grief and send much love your way. Bob and Mrs. W, only you two know how much nonsense Ken graciously put up with from all of us guys when we were young. God’s peace be with you. Dennis
Dennis Adams
Kissimmee, Fl
Ann, I was sad to read about the passing of your husband. Virgie and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Please call us so we can get together for lunch. God Bless, Marlene Waters and Virgie Wilson.
Marlene Waters
Ogden, Ut
Oh the memories! Ken was such a big part of my childhood! Such a patient man. Taught me and so many how to shoot a basketball, foul shot and will always remember holding hands walking down the court left, right, jump!! Thanks for teaching me because I ended up LOVING basketball ❤️ Both ken and Ann always welcoming us whenever and sharing there food with everyone!! Loved the freezer meals ❤️ I’m forever grateful for the wonderful memories I have of Ken. I know when he entered heaven God said to Ken (Well done my great and faithful servant) May God bless your family with peace and Love at this time and always! Until we meet again Ken I love you ❤️
Kris Mager
Pleasant view, UT
Oh the memories! Ken was such a big part of my childhood! Such a patient man. Taught me and so many how to shoot a basketball, foul shot and will always remember holding hands walking down the court left, right, jump!! Thanks for teaching me because I ended up LOVING basketball ❤️ Both ken and Ann always welcoming us whenever and sharing there food with everyone!! Loved the freezer meals ❤️ I’m forever grateful for the wonderful memories I have of Ken. I know when he entered heaven God said to Ken (Well done my great and faithful servant) May God bless your family with peace and Love at this time and always! Until we meet again Ken I love you ❤️
Kris Mager
Pleasant view, UT
Uncle Ken... You were not only my uncle but also my Godfather.. due to the distance I never got to know you as I would have liked to; but the few times I got to spend with you were special and I keep them dearly in my heart. I wish to thank you for being you... a really special uncle. I am so sorry for you loss... Aunt Ann, Jeni, Bob, Mike, Ray, Tammy you are all in my thoughts.
Veronica Gasto
Santiago, Chile, nan
Dear Kenny, Blessings to you and by now I have faith that you have settled well in your new home. Hopefully there is a great lake for kayaking and a plentiful fishing hole nearby. And, maybe even a ski slope with snow all year round. I miss you dad and over this past month in my travels and adventures have often thought, I need to call dad and share this with him. Then I got to thinking you were there with me all the time anyway. I do need to share something though . . . You would be very amazed and humbled by all the kind words and thoughts we’ve all received and about how grateful others are for the positive impact you made in their lives. We’ve also been told by some that didn’t know you personally that you must have been an awesome and wonderful person because your children are wonderful too. Dad, we will continue to live your legacy and to care for others, volunteer every chance we get and treat others special. I leave you with this; Beaver, Carbon, Davis, Morgan, Daggett, Millard and Duchesne; Iron, Uintah, Rich and Summit, Garfield, Cache, Piute and Kane. Wasatch, Washington, and Weber, Sanpete, San Juan, Salt Lake, Wayne; Juab, Box Elder, Grand, Tooele, Sevier and Emery, Utah Train. People Will Forget WHAT YOU SAID People Will Forget WHAT YOU DID People Will Never Forget HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Maya Angelou Peace until we meet again. Love, Tam
Tamara Gonsiewski
Barberton, OH