- Date Of Death: January 28, 2012
- State: New Jersey
Major Kenneth E. Garrett (USAF Ret) of Willingboro, passed away peacefully at Lourdes Specialty Hospital in Willingboro on January 28, 2012 after suffering a stroke on December 22, 2011. Ken was born on April 17, 1925 in Kansas, to J. Verb and Myrtle Garrett and was raised on a grain and livestock farm. He served in the 76th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Kansas from 1948 to 1952 majoring in business. After graduation, he received a commission in the United States Air Force and returned to active duty. In 1958 he was given one his more interesting assignments.
He subsequently received a commendation for his part in a hazardous polar rescue mission 300 miles from the North Pole. He navigated the plane that landed on an ice floe which had split apart endangering 20 American airmen and scientists who were participating in the International Geophysical Year. Amazingly, the landing strip was only 2,200 feet long. He retired from the USAF in 1971 with the rank of Major. Ken received numerous medals during his tenure with the Armed Services, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his retirement from the USAF, he went to work for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and retired for the second time in 1987.
It was during his employment with Firestone that he was introduced to, and asked to join the Rotary Club of Willingboro. During his 35 years of membership in Rotary International he held many offices (including being District Governor) and received numerous citations for his dedication to the principles of Rotary. One of Ken’s passions was the Rotary Foundation, which enables Rotarians and friends of the Foundation advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. In his spare time, Ken loved to golf and travel.
Ken was predeceased in death by his wife Joan in 1991 and his son Kenneth E. Garrett, Jr. in 1963. Ken was also predeceased by his parents and siblings, Loren, Chester, Audrey, Dorothy and Theodore. Ken is survived by his daughter, Deborah J. Schiffiano, his son, Richard K. Garrett and his daughter and her husband, Patricia M. Garrett and Anthony Niola. Ken is also survived by his grandchildren Daniel, Emily, Amanda and Alison Schiffiano and great grandson Kayden Leonard.
