Kenneth Greenwood

A hardworking, steadfast, and reflective man, Kenneth Greenwood was an extraordinary man to know and love. Through the life he lived each day, it was easy to see that it was his faith that guided his steps and provided the shelter he needed from the storms of life. Ken was a loving husband and devoted father to be sure, but there was nothing he loved more than being a grandfather. He lived an active life for as long as he was able, and among his adventures were the trips he took with the love of his life. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Ken was a humble man whose family tree that blossomed to include numerous branches of loved ones was his greatest source of pride and joy. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue on through the lives of those who follow in his footsteps.

In many ways Ken was a young boy of his generation. He attended Oakdale Christian School and then went on to Grand Rapids Christian High School where he was on the swim team. Ken was a talented swimmer, too, as he won the state championship in backstroke. He also appreciated all sports including sandlot football. Ken later graduated from high school in 1957.

It was while working as a lifeguard at Franklin Park Pool, which was something he did for seven years, that Ken met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Melva Dole, and they met in 1957. They became acquainted and soon had their first date to Russ’s Restaurant in Holland. That date led to others, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Ken and Melva were married on April 27, 1961, at Calvin Christian Reformed.

After a honeymoon in Chicago, the newlyweds returned and settled into an apartment on Adams Street, SE for one year. Having earned his degree from Calvin College in mathematics, he then joined the United States Navy. Ken entered flight school but was soon sent to the intelligence corps. He served in the Naval Intelligence Corps while in the service for four years. Ken then used these skills to make a career with the Defense Intelligence Agency for the 35 years that followed. He remained in the Navy in Reserve status and retired as a Captain.

Ken and Melva made their home in Silver Springs, Maryland, and together they raised their three children including Tamara, Dirk, and Joel. As a family they were members of Silver Springs Christian Reformed Church where Ken served as an elder and deacon. Ken was actively involved in all aspects of his children’s lives including in their education and extracurricular activities. During the summer and at Christmas every year they traveled to Michigan to see extended family, and it was tradition that they stopped at Dutch Pantry and Perkins to eat along the way. There were also several family vacations to Outer Banks, North Carolina. Once Ken retired at the age of 57, he and Melva moved to Outer Banks where they lived from 2000 through 2011.

Throughout his life Ken was a man of many interests. Among his favorites were women’s fast pitch softball and volleyball. Ken was an avid Michigan fan as well as a fan of the Washington Redskins. He was a pitcher on a fast pitch softball team for years. Ken and Melva visited the Netherlands and took several trips to Hawaii, and he loved seeing his extended family. He was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandfather as he cherished every moment he had to spend with his grandchildren. Over time Ken developed a deep appreciation for classical music with Beethoven’s work being his favorite. An avid reader, he enjoyed nonfiction and works from C.S. Lewis, and old westerns, especially John Wayne and the Lone Ranger, were his favorite things to relax with in front of the television. A weekend grill master, Ken loved burgers and dark beer, and he also regularly went out for breakfast with his family, usually ordering buckwheat pancakes.

In 2011 Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Although he underwent brain surgery and the tumor was found to be benign, there were still negative effects to contend with. With a desire to be closer to family, Ken and Melva returned to Grand Rapids and moved into Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. They made many new friends there, and Ken joined a co-ed bridge team and a men’s bridge team. Ken continued keeping in touch with family and friends through email as well. He was diagnosed with another brain tumor six weeks ago, which led his heath to diminish further.

Kenneth Greenwood was a blessing in the lives of so many. He was both thoughtful and fair, and with faith as the compass he used to direct his steps. Known for his unending love for his family, Ken treasured every moment spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will never be forgotten.

Kenneth L. Greenwood, aged 75 of Grand Rapids, passed away suddenly on Saturday morning, January 24, 2015 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. He is survived by his wife of 53 Years, Melva Greenwood (Dole); his children, Tamara Lynn Greenwood of MD, and grandchildren, Jana Marie Lowe and Garrett Scott Lowe; Dirk Alan and Tracy Greenwood of TX, and grandchildren, Faith Erin Greenwood and Evan Zachary Greenwood; Joel Evan and Andrea Greenwood of NY and grandchildren, Luke Isaiah Greenwood and Kellen James Greenwood; his brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Sharon Greenwood; his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and John Boerman; many nieces, nephews and friends. Captain Kenneth L. Greenwood, retired from US Naval Intelligence and Defense Intelligence Agency. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather brother and a friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on Thursday morning, January 29 at 11:00 AM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to HQ a Program for Homeless Teens. To read more about Ken’s life, to sign his guestbook and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com