Remembering Kenny D

Trail House resident Kenny D left us too soon, but last month family and friends gathered to celebrate his life.

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​On a gray, rainy Monday in early April, a crowd of all ages gathered to remember and celebrate the life of our own real-life superhero, Trail House resident Kenny D. While the day may have been gray, Kenny’s life was a bright light to all who knew him. On this day St. Monica’s on Mercer Island was graced with the presence of Batman, as family members and friends sported t-shirts bearing Kenny’s alter ego.
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His uncle shared stories of a young Kenny and the impact he made on his parents, siblings and everyone whose life he touched. Most of the Trail House staff was there to honor and remember a resident whose laugh, antics and love of life were a highlight of working in the program. DAHLIA’s Executive Director, Cheryl Jordan (sporting her Batman t-shirt) along with board members Wendy Peloquin and Tawnya Reese, a long-time Kenny D family friend, were also in attendance. Following the service, the reception included a photo slideshow of Kenny through the years. People lingered to share stories and support. 

​At 62, Kenny surpassed the average life expectancy of a disabled adult. And, while we at DAHLIA take comfort in our belief that our agency helped his family extend and continue to bring joy to his life, we all feel a deep void at his passing. He entered heaven by mere before weeks our angel Anne Royal who on earth, together with TH Program Director Kiyomi Tamura, formed their own mutual admiration society. In these sad and difficult times, we all share smiles thinking of Kenny and Anne being reunited. 

​Kenny was an avid fan of Camp DAHLIA – Anne’s brainchild – and we have set up a fund in Anne’s honor, the Anne’s Angel Fund, to keep Camp DAHLIA and provide other resident care supports going for years to come. If you care to donate, as you click that button, know that Kenny and Anne are up there smiling. In the words of Batman, "A hero can be anyone..." and Kenny was definitely one of ours. Kenny D, you are missed and loved.