1936
Kendall
2022
Kendall Foster "Ken" Cleaves Jr.
September 25, 1936 — July 13, 2022
MISSOULA ~ On July 13, 2022 we lost a loving Dad and Great Grandfather, Kendall Foster Cleaves. He was born on September 25, 1936, to Kendall “Foster” Sr. and Gertrude Cleaves in Winchester, Massachusetts. In 1957, Ken married his loving wife, Alice “Jean” March and together they moved to Missoula where he attended the Forestry program at Montana State (UM). They enjoyed 60 adventurous years with each other until her passing in 2017.
After graduation, Ken worked on the Railroad. When he was not working, he enjoyed spending his free time playing with their three children: Catherine, Craig, and Kendall “K.C.”, taking them on fishing trips or walkabouts learning about nature.
After retiring at a young age, Ken and Jean spent their winters in Arizona, traveling to visit friends and family in Canada, Mexico, and around the U.S. They took quiet back roads whenever possible to explore and find adventures. His inquisitive demeanor and joy of conversation brought many loving friends into his life.
While in MT, they enjoyed summers at their lake house on Lake Mary Ronan with family and enjoying time with friends across the lake at Camp Tuffit. Everyone enjoyed fishing, hiking, crawdad races, birthdays, and jumping off the dock.
In later years, Ken enjoyed playing balloon ball with his great grandchildren, visiting the Oregon coast clamming, feeding any “poor” animal who crossed his path, and helping the trees grow tall around their property.
He is preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, and son Craig. Ken will be forever missed by his daughter Catherine and son, K.C.; grandchildren Jason Malach-Fuller (Richard), and Kimberly Swanby (Tanner); great-grandsons Tristen and Teague; sister, Carol Gielow, and her family, along with loving cousins and lifelong friends.
Private family interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.
Memorials and donations may be given to Partners in Home Care Hospice or the Humane Society.
Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.
After graduation, Ken worked on the Railroad. When he was not working, he enjoyed spending his free time playing with their three children: Catherine, Craig, and Kendall “K.C.”, taking them on fishing trips or walkabouts learning about nature.
After retiring at a young age, Ken and Jean spent their winters in Arizona, traveling to visit friends and family in Canada, Mexico, and around the U.S. They took quiet back roads whenever possible to explore and find adventures. His inquisitive demeanor and joy of conversation brought many loving friends into his life.
While in MT, they enjoyed summers at their lake house on Lake Mary Ronan with family and enjoying time with friends across the lake at Camp Tuffit. Everyone enjoyed fishing, hiking, crawdad races, birthdays, and jumping off the dock.
In later years, Ken enjoyed playing balloon ball with his great grandchildren, visiting the Oregon coast clamming, feeding any “poor” animal who crossed his path, and helping the trees grow tall around their property.
He is preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, and son Craig. Ken will be forever missed by his daughter Catherine and son, K.C.; grandchildren Jason Malach-Fuller (Richard), and Kimberly Swanby (Tanner); great-grandsons Tristen and Teague; sister, Carol Gielow, and her family, along with loving cousins and lifelong friends.
Private family interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.
Memorials and donations may be given to Partners in Home Care Hospice or the Humane Society.
Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kendall Foster "Ken" Cleaves Jr., please visit our flower store.
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