Michael W. Kenney

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Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Michael W. Kenney passed away on April 7, 2010 at his home in Orangeville, Utah. His family was blessed and privileged to be at his side as Mike graciously faced the challenges of the last of his many journeys in this life.
Mike was born Aug. 6, 1933 in Evanston, Wyo. to John Martin Kenney, and Ethel (Phipps) Kenney. Mike served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was deployed to the USS Burton Island, a retrofitted icebreaker on a successful secret mission to navigate the Northwest Passage. As an electricians mate 1st class he honed his skills in all things electrical and mechanical.
For the next 30 years he held various electrical, operation, and engineering supervisory and management positions with Utah Power and Light including Electrical Supervisor in Kemmerer, Wyo. and Plant Manager at the Huntington Power Plant in Utah. He ended his career while serving as an engineer for local and other power plants in surrounding states. Mike was an accomplished builder, welder, engineer, auto mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and problem solver. Mike has worn many hats in his lifetime but his cowboy hat was his favorite, he was a cowboy at heart.
Family and friends have fond memories of camping, fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, barbeques, rodeos, and just being with Mike. Mike was a marksman and an avid outdoorsman. He loved the mountains and exploring the deserts of Utah and the Southwest. Mike retired in 1990, he and Claudia spent winters making memories and friends in Arizona, the West Indies, Washington, Oregon, and Mexico. They enjoyed the companionship of their malmutes who traveled with them.
Mike served in the Orangeville/American Legion Post 39 for many years. Mike was generous with his time and skills always willing to help anyone. He worked hard and blessed the lives of many.
Although, his past few months were burdened with Alzheimer’s, Mike kept his sense of humor and the sparkle in his eye as he loved, appreciated, and never forgot his loving wife Claudia, who took care of him. Claudia had the privilege to hold his hand and usher him on to a new beginning.
Mike married Patricia LaPorte in 1953, later divorced in 1980. He is survived by their four children and spouses; Michael J. (Anna) Kenney, Dubois, Wyo; Marie (Craig) Bowcut, Salt Lake City, Utah; Peter J. Kenney, Tucson, Ariz; and brother Edward (Barbara) Kenney, Evanston, Wyo.
Mike married Claudia Justesen Cox on April 17, 1993 and is survived by her children and their spouses; Dennis (Debra) Cox, Cedar City, Utah; Trina (Jason) Branson, Orangeville, Utah; Doug Cox, Green River, Wyo; and Dave (Liz) Cox, Vernal, Utah. With the combined families Mike and Claudia have 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on April 17, 2010 at the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Huntington, Utah, 620 N. Main. Friends may call Friday evening at 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to services. Burial will follow the services in the Orangeville City Cemetery under the trusted care of the Heritage Funeral Home, Huntington, Utah. (435) 687-5522.