So sorry for your loss. Abby.
— Sabra Higginbotham
My dear Abby...
My heart aches for You and Ken's siblings (myself included) when I contemplate our loss (especially Yours). I pray for God to send His Comforter to help us all during this time of grief and suffering. It helps me when I continually remind myself what "to be absent from the body" really means and what a "glorious day it will be" when we are re-united with Ken. All of our tears for naught...
I want to share with you guys something that you may not know about Ken or at least the details of it. About 16 years ago when I came back to Georgia, every once in a while, Ken and I would sneak out for lunch and not tell anyone where we were going (because we wanted to eat what we wanted and just get away as a couple of guys). It was usually for steak or a burger and a beer.
Ken kept trying to get me to go and eat a Peking Duck and Dim Sum with him. I kept refusing because I had a bad experience with a greasy baked duck in past and Dim Sum (the way he described it did not sound appealing to me). Every time we would sneak out he would bring up the duck... He promised that it was good and he would cover the bill. I still flat-out refused. Finally after many times going where I wanted, I relented because he was persistent. When we finally went to his favorite Chinese restaurant I was extremely skeptical. The ducks were hanging in the window (head and all)... I had bad feelings about this ordeal before we even made it inside and on going in, we were the only ones there (it was early). A very nice man who new Ken by name, seated the two of us at a table that was big enough for 8 people. Ken said a couple of words in Chinese or Cantonese (I he said it was Hello) and placed the order for both of us in that Jersey accent without even letting me look at the menu while pointing at the table with his index finger in front of him and then in front of me. He told me... you are going to like this.... I was thinking that I hope I don't get sick from a window duck in a restaurant with no customers... then.... It got worse... Within minutes, they brought out a duck on platter, head and all with several plates and baskets of accessories. To me, the duck looked like a naked donald duck with severe crispy sunburn (with x's for eyes). Deep orange and reddish in color... almost like it was spray painted. In my head, there was no time for them to prep this duck and get it to use this quickly... I was thinking we got one of the window ducks. Ken said let me show you how to eat this... he took a mini wrap, slicked off a thin piece of duck, added a little lettuce and plum sauce then handed it to me. I took it and I ate it hoping to keep it down. Amazingly it was crispy, hot and extremely delicious! He and I cleaned that duck to the bone.... while we were eating the duck, they brought out one each of every Dim Sum on the menu, There were at least 15 different kinds (three at time) with about 10 minute break in between so that they were hot when we ate them. Each one in its own basket with three of the Dim Sums of that kind in it. Almost every one was delicious except for one that I did not particularly care for. If I liked it, Ken would ask for a second order of that Dim Sum. We would eat a couple of bites of duck and then sample the Dim Sum. Take a sip or tea or water and then repeat. Between the Duck and Dim Sum, and the table for 8 which was really a table for two with what he ordered, it looked like a feast for royalty. This experience with Ken forever changed my perception of duck and trying something new.
We went back to that restaurant many times (at least 5 times that year). I liked the duck so much Ken also convinced me to try and smoke one at home. He bought a fresh duck and I smoked it along with a Turkey and It too turned out delicious, almost as good as the duck in the restaurant but in a different way.
I got a hankering for some Duck... I think I am going to have to go get me one.
Thanks Ken... love you!
— Claud
Abby
Sending you comfort knowing his memory will live on in so many.
My heart is broken, but I will
always treasure the hours long phone conversations Ken and I had exchanging childhood stories of growing up in Hoboken.
We will share those stories again but until then know how much we miss you.
Diane & Ron
— Diane & Ron Lowery
It saddens me to hear of Ken’s passing. Ken is with the Lord. To be absent in the body, to be in present with the lord. My condolences to Abby, and his family.
— Joanne TOWNSEL
Uncle Ken you are deeply missed! I will cherish all the memories of my siblings and I coming over for sleep overs or to spend time with you and Aunt Abby. May you rest easy🫶
— EmmaLee Higginbotham
To all of the family and friends of Ken, we send our deepest condolences. We met Ken at a cookout at Robin and Claude's house, and we had a very lengthy and nice conversation with Ken. We felt like we had known him for years. He was very down to earth and a very kind man. We are sorry for your loss and are praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
— Dave & Tina O'Rourke
Abby I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Ken a few times, after reading the duck story and stories about your adventures with him, I am sure he was a wonderful person and will be missed. Sending you lots of love .
— Andrea Raphael
Sending our heartfelt prayers and love to Abby and the family. Our staff has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Ken for some time now. He will be remembered for his sweet nature and for the ability to bring a smile to anyone that he dealt with. We were lucky to know him and will miss him.
— Greenscapes Plus - Monroe Georgia
I first met Ken in 1976 when he transferred into the "Repair" Division aboard the Newport, RI-based USS Damato. Our Navy-friendship grew while sharing stories and taking part in harmless-antics both aboard and ashore on "liberty". Once discharged from active-service, we shared vacations in Montreal, Quebec; Boston, MA; and Stone Mountain, GA. making our bond even stronger over the years; a bond that has stood the test of time.
Ken shared with me the fact that he did not attend college (post Navy) was one of his greatest regrets...............despite being happily married and financially independent (homeowner and US Postal System pensioner).
Ken, "you may have not attended college classes; but, you are a CLASS ACT" !, I have always found you to be: warm, real, practical, smart, friendly, well-versed, ridiculous, matter-of-fact (aka tell it like it is), honest, articulate, kind, humorous, serious, financially-savvy, thoughtful, giving, welcoming, and caring.
Until we meet again.......
— Kevin Cloran
Abbey, we are so sorry to hear about Ken, but we rejoice with the angels who welcomed him home. We know he is with our Lord, and he is whole and healthy. We also know this is a very difficult time for you and want you to know we are here for whatever we can do to ease your pain. We treasure our memories of times together - the garden experience, our talks in passing, his sharing his love of animals, so many times just a smile and a wave as you passed in the car. He will be missed terribly. We love you and will continue to pray for your comfort and peace in the days ahead. We pray for the day his memory will bring more smiles than tears. Please know we are always available. Love you. Charlie and Wanda
— Charlie and Wanda Hinely
Abby,
After reading all the wonderful stories about Ken, I regret to have only met him briefly. He clearly was a uniquely kind and special person who will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to you and the family as you navigate this heartbreaking loss. I encourage you to take care of yourself and utilize the strong support system you clearly have in family and friends. We are all here for you.
— Gail Hammond
Abbey, we are so sorry. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
— Traci and Steve Green
Abby
Ken’s passing is a lose to so many that knew him. He is afew years older than I am, so I don’t have a lot of memories of him from childhood, but the ones I have bring me joy.
He loved to do things to try to scare me, but he would be the one that got scared in the end. It always made me laugh. He was very generous and when he got a little job as a teenager , he bought me a camera { not a toy ) for Christmas ,complete with a bag to carry it in, which I still have. That’s when I developed a love for photography . So many memories were taken on that camera.
Ken and I became closer when he began working for the post office , and delivered mail to my address. Many nights he would come over after work to have dinner with my family, some nights he would show up with meats he wanted me to prepare.
In more recent years , since we both retired , we would spend hours on the phone talking about our childhood with our other siblings, and the conversation always turned to food. He would tell me things he cooked or what he had eaten when he went out for lunch or dinner. HE would get excited about things he bought off of QVC, and those things would show up at my door within the next few weeks because he loved to share the things he was passionate about.
I will miss those phone calls but not as much as I miss you Ken❤️
Sending healing hugs to you Abby ,
thank you for all the love and care you gave him.
Dolores Vitali
— Dolores Vitali
I never got to meet my uncle Ken, but I did get to speak with him on the phone afew mins during his calls with my mom. He would talk to my daughter , who was usually telling him he was talking to much and she wanted her playmate back.
Despite this him and Abby always remembered her when they saw something cute that they thought she might enjoy. His presents always made her happy and I’m glad she got to know him a little , mom only had nice things to say about their time growing up. Rest in peace uncle Ken . So sorry for your lose Abby .
— Brian Vitali
Abby my heart is breaking for you.
I know Ken was your best friend and
Soul mate and you will miss him.
Find comfort knowing Ken is no longer suffering and in pain. Prayers
For you and family🙏🙏❤️
— Rita Roberts
Ken was a quiet, kind, and generous brother-in-law. We enjoyed watching old movies and naming the main actors and supporting actors and the other movies that they had been in. He showed love by giving you something to eat. He made the most fantastic jalapeno bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. He was generous with his time as he and Abby came once a week to help take care of their infant to toddler grand nephews. He was a proud navy veteran who always had a navy hat on. Ken has a special place in our hearts.
— JoAnn and Ed Quillian