Kenneth L Kindig

Celebrating Life

Kenneth L Kindig of John Day, OR passed away on July 7, 2026. Ken was born in Cortez, CO December 11, 1949 to Jewell (Kindig) Spruell. 

As a youth, Ken enjoyed hunting, exploring and sports. In Ken’s highschool days he moved to Redmond, OR where he graduated from Redmond High School. Ken attended COCC, PSU and then graduated from University of Oregon with his bachelors of science degree in Business Administration. Ken was in the United States Army from  March 16,1971 to March 25, 1972 and served in the Vietnam war. Ken went on to buy a business in John Day, OR after the service and college.  There he spent the rest of his career, during which time he met his wife and love of his life, Shirly. Ken and Shirly married on February 5th 1983 and he spent the rest of his life with her. 

Ken was a member and active participant for many years in several professional groups as well as recreation groups such as OAIA, Elks National Foundation and the Grant County Shooting Sports Club. Ken spent his professional life helping those he could, whether they were individuals, businesses or organizations.

In addition, Ken participated in many of his kids’ activities. He coached little league and other sports, took his family on many hunting, fishing, hiking and other adventures. Ken was an avid outdoorsman. He coached his kids behind the scenes and even played them in a game of H-O-R-S-E for who had to do Thanksgiving dishes on occasion, until they could all beat him:)

Ken was survived by his wife Shirly (Phifer) Kindig, sons Gary Nicodemus and Buck Kindig, his daughter Alyse Nicodemus. sister Barbie Kindig and her three children.

There will be a celebration of life at Alec Gay Hall in John Day, OR on July 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donations can be made in his name to the Elks National Foundation or the Grant County Shooting Sports Club through Driskill Memorial Chapel.

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