BEVERLY, Kenneth D.

Parker Pioneer, Parker, AZ - Published on October 24, 2012 - Kenneth D. Beverly passed through the gates of God’s heavenly park on Sept. 24, 2012, where he was warmly welcomed by family and friends. Ken was born in Cambridge, Mass., June 12, 1944 to Doris J. (MacMillan) and Dana M. Beverly. Ken graduated from Ossining High School in 1962 and later attended Dean Junior College in Franklin, Mass., and the University of Denver where he earned an Art Degree and expanded and refined his artistic talents. Ken moved to Parker in the early 80’s and made it his home for the rest of his life.. Ken was a very, very talented artist and many described his artwork as phenomenal! He was famous for his doodles on napkins and pieces of paper all of which seemed to be drawn effortlessly. Aside from his familiar doodles and cartoons Ken was also an accomplished painter. One of his designs hung in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art while another appeared as a mural on the side of a building in Parker. His artistic talent was not only appreciated by friends and family but by such personalities as Pearl Bailey who engaged him to do some work for her. His talent as a calligrapher could be found on many an announcement and restaurant menu throughout Parker and the Southwest. His talent as an artist was only eclipsed by his imagination ��“ if Ken could visualize it in his head, then he could design it, draw it, paint it, color it, sew it, or print it. Our world will certainly be less colorful with his passing. Ken, also known as Kenny, was a park ranger for the La Paz County Park Department for almost ten years where he developed a deep love and appreciation for his work and his co-workers. Ken’s love for his work-family did not stop at the park’s gate or at the water’s edge but extended to its many visitors who called the park their winter home year after year. It was a special place for Ken ��“ where the beauty of the Colorado River and its surroundings was evident to all and where he took comfort in the friendships he enjoyed. His love of the park and his park family never wavered and it is that love that drew him back for one last time! Ken had a wonderful, unique and yet indescribable sense of humor, which drew people to him. His warmth and sincerity were so welcoming and inviting that one could not help but to consider him a friend. This God given talent did not just benefit mortal men and women but children and animals as well. He could calm a crying child or a barking dog with just a look, a smile or a touch. He was considered by many to be “The Pied Piper” of kids and animals alike. Ken was the “best uncle” to his niece Traci and nephews Bryan and Kevin Beverly and Jason Crisp. His visits were always welcome because we were always rewarded with a new cartoon, drawing or unique design. From drawing and painting t-shirts, to designing business cards for his sister-in-law and postcards for his niece, his talent was never-ending. His 2000 “Millennium” t-shirt design won first place, hands down, when voted on by the students of his nephew’s elementary school. In February 2011, Ken was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer. Throughout his treatment and courageous battle Ken never lost his sense of humor or his desire to make life a little brighter for others. While in doctors’ offices and hospital waiting rooms Ken started sketching a booklet for his nurses and other cancer patients to enjoy. In his own way Ken found the ability to find the humor in the disease he was fighting and in the treatments he was receiving which brought smiles to those who viewed his work. A memorial service will be held near the pond at the La Paz County Park, on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the La Paz County Park, 7350 Riverside Dr., Parker, AZ 85344. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Dana Beverly. He is survived by his brother Bruce E. Beverly and his wife Toni, niece Traci, nephews Bryan and Kevin Beverly all of Scottsdale, Ariz., and nephew Jason (Lisa) Crisp of Walla Walla, Wash. Also surviving Ken are his good friends Russ Dawkins and Mike Kolb of Parker, Ariz., and his co-workers/friends at the La Paz County Park Dept. and many other friends in Parker. We’d like to thank Ken’s doctors and nurses at the Virginia Piper Cancer Center for their help and dedication to Ken and his treatment. Ken was not a very big man in stature but was a giant of a man in character and in heart! His life journey was not easy or without pain but along the way he had some wonderful experiences and made some great friends. Ken’s time with us is over but those who knew him should take comfort in knowing that he has passed through Heaven’s gate and he now sits on the river’s edge drawing and sketching for all to see and enjoy. Rest awhile Ken ��“ you have earned it. When our life journey is over, be it short or long, we will meet again and true joy will be ours forever!