Obituary of Kenneth Lee Turnell

Ken died during a beautiful sunrise as did his brother Larry in 2006. He was incredibly talented, with his pen and ink drawings, intricately carved figures, poetry and sea glass creations. He loved history, especially family, Santa Cruz County and the World Wars. Ken could design, build and fix anything. He was a proud soldier, serving in Germany and Colorado. He will have a private military service. Though Ken was born at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri while his dad, Al (deceased) was stationed there, he considered himself a California native. His great great great grandparents settled in Los Gatos in the 1800s. His great grandmother came to Capitola in 1930 and bought Capitola's original farmhouse by Shadowbrook restaurant. Ken's early life was spent in Capitola, playing and working for Andy at the Skee Ball concession and setting pins at the Capitola Bowl. He was one of the original 'Tola Rats', self-named teens of Capitola. Ken was diagnosed with cancer the month he was to retire from Earthworks after 40 years. He is survived by his son Austin, his mother Lois Alford, his sister Linda Albrecht (Russ), nephew Kyle Albrecht (Madison), niece Keri Bergquist (Ryan), their sons Otto and Fynn, Aunt Dee Reddington of Montana and extended family of cousins. Ken is also survived by his stepdaughter Ashley (Seth) Charlotte and Violet, stepson Jessie, stepsister Debbie, his service buddies and many friends At his request he was buried with his brother's ashes at Oakwood in one of the plots purchased by his great grandmother in 1930, keeping the family together. Ken and Larry are now next to their grandparents Lee and Esther Wilson. Ken was quiet and private and a very important part of our small family. We miss him so much. A celebration of life will be held in Capitola, date TBA. Ken's mantra to those who expressed concern during his illness was, "It is what it is", he was stronger than we were.