Kenith ‘Ken’ David Varble, 65, died Saturday, Dec. 5.

He was born in Oakland and moved to Hayward in 1952, where he lived until 1973. He then relocated to the Central Valley and for the last seven years was a resident of Copperopolis.

He worked as a forklift operator for 18 years at United Can in Oakdale where he made numerous lifelong friends.

He enjoyed writing, reading, playing cards and off-roading in his ’76 Jeep. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with ‘the guys’ and spending time with his family. He had the ability to make a person feel like they were the most special person in the world. He had a sense of humor and was a loyal friend.

He is survived by his sons, Dylan and James; daughter, Kimberly; stepdaughter, Erika; sister, Vana; brother, Vaughn; mother, Gladys; niece, Lisa; nephew, Jory; great-nephew, Login; daughter-in-law, Cyrena; and special friends, Lance and Janeen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melodi; father, Ken, Sr.; brother, Dennis; and best friend, Gary.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Angels Memorial Chapel, 1071 So. Main, Angels Camp.

Remembrances may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Dec. 16, 2009