Kit Tunney Telford

Kit was born in South Dakota on October 1, 1950, to Gene and Beverly
(Jean) Telford. Before he was born, his Uncle Merle regularly referred to
him as Kit Carson after the famous wilderness figure of the American West.
Apparently, it stuck! Kit was given his father’s middle name (Tunney) after
the world’s heavyweight champ, Gene Tunney. Both names suited him
well.

As a small boy, Kit suffered from asthma that ultimately led the family to
move out west. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in
Fremont, CA where he played first chair clarinet in the school band and
marching band. His love of music was evident as he also played piano and
saxophone with little effort. His natural ear for music allowed him to play a
song for the first time without reading from a sheet of music. He and his
friends regularly jammed at the folks’ house and was enjoyed by all. He
also played various sports and started (with the help of the folks) the
school’s first motorcycle club. Kit also learned to fly and scuba dive with his
father!

Following high school, Kit worked a winter in Alaska on the oil pipeline but
subsequently decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and became a
heavy equipment operator. He completed his training at Rancho Murieta
Training Center in Rancho Murieta, CA. He was considered among the
best in his class. Following a stroke in 2002, Kit retired from his career and
settled in Citrus Heights, CA.

Kit leaves behind his loving mother, Beverly (Jean) Telford of Antioch, CA
and his sister Kelly Moore and husband Jack Moore of Novato, CA, niece
Dee Pitto and husband Frank Pitto of Dixon, CA, nephew Sean Moore and
wife Jonni Moore of Esparto, CA and numerous aunts and cousins. He
was preceded in death by his father, Gene Tunney Telford and niece Tracy
Moore.

Kit was no stranger to adventure and loved the outdoors. He worked and
played hard! He, like his father, had a gift for storytelling and making
people laugh! He was known to be a “social butterfly” and could strike up a
conversation with anyone. He found God and Jesus late in life. His faith
and church community not only gave him strength and comfort during
difficult times but also gave him purpose and joy when he needed it most.
He learned that giving of himself was more rewarding and meaningful than
receiving. He frequently found opportunities to share his story of faith and
healing in impromptu ways and that gave him great joy and fulfillment! His
family and friends take comfort in knowing that Kit is free from his broken
body and has returned home to heaven above where he is faithfully
watching over us.

A Celebration of Life Service & Reception will be held:
October 8, 2022 @ 11:00am – 2:00pm
Folsom Community Center
RG Smith Room
52 Natoma Street Folsom, Ca 95630

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer’s
Association in honor of his mother Beverly Jean Telford at www.alz.org and
ask for an acknowledgement card be sent to Kelly Moore at: 1406 Ignacio
Blvd., Novato, CA 94949