Kenneth T. Barker, Jr.

Palmer H. Lee

Kenneth T. Barker, Jr.

Kenneth T. Barker, Jr. was born Sept. 13, 1939 and passed away Oct. 15, 2012. Ken moved to Susanville in 1974. He truly became rooted in Susanville after marrying his love, Kathy Baker, in 1980. Ken started his own business, Ken’s Repair Service in 1984 then retired in 2001.

Ken was the oldest brother of six children and was thought of as a generous and loving man to his family and friends. He offered his suggestions with kind words and unending support. Ken’s clever mind and innovative thinking proved there was nothing he couldn’t fix or do.

Ken spent a lot of his free time fishing and boating. In the latter years of his life he successfully achieved his dream to become a pilot and then shared his passion for flight with family and friends. Ken spent a lot of his retirement volunteering at the Susanville Airport. Ken’s positive attitude and infectious sense of humor gifted his family with precious time during his battle with cancer. He was an inspiration to many and will be missed every day.

Ken is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy Barker; his loving children, Kurt Barker (Julie), and Desiree Vance (Lonnie); four grandchildren and extended family and many friends.

A celebration of his life and potluck luncheon will be held at the Susanville Airport from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 27. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to EAA Chapter 794, (Aviation Association) 471-920 Johnstonville Road, Susanville, CA 96130; Sierra Sportsmen’s Club and Junior Division, Inc. to support the Junior Fishing Derby, P.O. Box 1807, Susanville, CA 96130; or Honey Lake Hospice, P.O. Box 1166, Susanville, CA 96130.

Palmer H. Lee

Palmer Lee, 90, passed away at Country Villa Riverview nursing hospital Monday evening, Oct. 15, 2012 after a short illness.

Palmer was born in St. Paul, Minn. Dec. 10, 1921. He was the middle child of Ole and Otilie “Della” Lee. Palmer and his family, which included older brother, Arnie, and sister, Marie, lived with their parents on their farm in Forest Lake, Minn.

When Palmer was about 3 years of age his mother died suddenly. His father, Ole, then advertised for a Norwegian-speaking housekeeper to help him with the home, children and Norwegian-speaking father-in-law who lived with them, so Ole could work on the farm. A woman named Hildur Anderson applied for the job. At a later date, Ole and Hildur were married. Hildur was very much loved by the family and was known as “Mama” to Palmer and his siblings.

When World War II began, Palmer’s older brother, Arnie, went into the military. Palmer applied to all four branches of the military but was chosen to “stay home on the farm.”

A couple of years after the war ended Palmer met his wife Mary (Baker) Lee at Wagner’s Hamburger Shop in Forest Lake. In May 1948 they were married. When they were first married, they lived on the farm as Palmer’s parents had moved into Forest Lake. After a few years, Palmer sold the farm to his brother and he and Mary also moved into Forest Lake.

Palmer and Mary had two children, Cecelia Lee Lain and Kenneth Lee. In June 1959, another son was born stillborn.

In November 1959, Palmer, Mary and family moved to Santa Rosa, Calif. where Palmer’s parents then lived. One of Palmer’s first jobs there was with the post office. Shortly after that he started working for Northern California Glass Company as a Teamster truck driver. He worked for them for about 25 years until he retired in 1985.

In 1988 Palmer and Mary moved to Janesville, Calif. to be closer to their daughter, Cecelia, and her family. In March of 1989, they moved into a new home right around the corner from their daughter and her family.

Palmer and Mary enjoyed meeting new friends and getting involved in various activities, including Janesville Jolly Elders and Lassen Hospital Auxiliary. They also enjoyed some traveling and having visits from family who lived out of state. They, too, enjoyed going to their grandson’s athletic events such as baseball games, soccer and basketball, and also attending various events at the school.

In February 2005, Mary went to Country Villa Riverview to live; she passed away in October 2011. Palmer remained in his Janesville house until fall of 2009 when he then went to live at Eagle Lake Village Assisted Living in Susanville.

Palmer is survived by his daughter, Cecelia, and husband, John Lain, of Janesville; son, Kenneth Lee, and wife, Candy, of Bremerton, Wash.; grandson, John Michael Lain, of Susanville; grandson, Richard Lain, of Longview, Wash.; granddaughter, Anne Lee, of Santa Rosa; step-grandsons, Curt and Josh Brown, of Washington State; and step-great-grandson, John William Brown, of Washington State. Palmer is also survived by many nieces and nephews, some in California and many out of state.

A memorial service for Palmer Lee will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Eagle Lake Village Assisted Living in Susanville. The family would love to hear any stories or special memories you may have of Palmer.

In Palmer’s memory, the family requests that any donations be made in his name to Eagle lake Village Assisted Living Social Fund or to Country Villa Riverview Activities Department.