Kenneth Eugene Rice

Kenneth Eugene Rice

Kenneth Eugene Rice of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully at age 80, on November 30, 2024, with his loving family at his side. He was born on February 5, 1944, in Sacramento, to Helen and Albert Eugene “Gene” Rice.

 Ken attended local schools in Chico, California, graduating from Chico Senior High School in 1962. He continued his studies at Butte Junior College and American River College in Sacramento.

 He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, sailing the South China Sea aboard the USS Ponchatoula, where he formed a dear friendship with Robert “Bob” Jackson, that spanned over 65 years. 

Ken retired after a 34-year career with Pacific Bell / ATT in Sacramento, where he formed many life-long friendships.

 Ken’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his beloved grandchildren: Lucy, Ally and John. He delighted in being their Papa! He was a devoted husband and father - a selfless man, giving first to his family before himself. Ken and his son, Jeff, had a very close bond. Their daily calls were a source of great joy for them both. Ken was so proud of Jeff - the loving, nurturing father he became. Ken also treasured the loving relationships with his dear nieces and nephews. They have many fond memories of their Uncle Ken’s boundless play with them as children that brought endless giggles and squeals of delight! 

Ken relished the calm solitude fishing on the American and Sacramento Rivers with his dear friend, Bill Peyton. They spent many hours on the river – with few words spoken - savoring the serenity of nature. Ken was a friend to all. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. His treasured walks with his dearly loved grand dogs were a welcomed opportunity to foster those friendships as well as to bring joy to his canine family.

 Ken had a great love of music. He was a natural musician playing the piano by ear. He exuded joy while delighting friends and family with the fun, energetic and upbeat “boogie-woogie” tunes for which he was known and loved. During the early 60’s, he and three friends formed The Starfires – a Chico rock and roll band. Later in life, the group reunited to rekindle their friendship and joy of playing music together.

 Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Rebecca “Becky;” dear son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Jori Rice; adored grandchildren: Lucy, Ally and John; sister, Sally (Clark) Brandstatt; brother, Michael (Donna) Rice; sister-in-law, Kathleen Haverly; treasured family - Marisa, Tom, Mia and Ben Nickles; and nieces and nephews: Kathy (Michael) Favor; Debra VanGieson; Nancie Rice; Tracy (Michael) Davis; Sandra (Doug) Preble; Lynn (Darin) Jones; Nathan Brandstatt; Angela Christian and Jaclyn (Marcus) Newby. He was preceded by his nephew, David Quiring.

 We will miss Ken dearly. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date.