Kenneth Ives, Sr

Kenneth L. Ives, Sr., 73, of Hebron, CT passed away with his wife by his side after a long courageous battle against bone marrow cancer on Sunday, February 8, 2015 in Deland, FL. He was born in Willimantic, CT on February 15, 1941, to the late Burton L. and Leah (Cote) Ives. Kenneth was a Veteran having proudly served in the United States Army. He was the owner of Burt Ives Honda in Columbia, CT for over 30 years, until its sale in December 2013 to his son, the next generation. Ken enjoyed many things in life, among them were his passions of Motorcycles, Motorcycle racing, and Sprint Car racing. In his younger years he enjoyed riding hill climbs and enduros and some flat track racing both on dirt and ice on the old home tracks. He loved spending time with his friends drinking beer and eating chicken wings. Ken always had a quick wit and joke to tell to try to make you laugh. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 29 years, Tina (Morris) Ives; son, Kenneth Ives, Jr. and his wife Jessica of Chaplin, CT; daughter Kelly Lynn Ksiazkowski and her husband Steve of Scotland, CT; three amazing grandsons that were his pride and joy, Donald Sholes III, Dylan Sholes and Zachary Sholes all of Scotland, CT; sister Norma J. Hamel of Wichita Falls, TX; brother Ronald L. Ives and his wife Pearl of Windham, CT; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also close to his heart were special friends, John Pokorny of Columbia, and Donald Sholes, Jr. of Scotland, both of which he considered sons. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother William Ives and a brother in law Ray Hamel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society www.lls.org , or The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.com . The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2015, at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic, CT from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be planned this summer.