Montpelier Kendall "Kenny" Lewis died unexpectedly on May 17, 2009 at the age of 63. Born in Montpelier Vermont on July 4, 1945 Ken was the first child born to the late Jacquelyn (Recor) and Verdell Lewis. Kendall has resided for the last 14 years in Montpelier at a home he shared with his best friend and care giver Dennis McDermott. There are no words to describe the quality of this friendship and what it came to mean to Kendall over the years. In addition, Kendall was proud of his inclusion in the McDermott family circle. He delighted in sharing life, events, holidays and recreation with son Ian, daughter Cailey and partner Carolyn. As adults, Ian and Cailey became natural supports to Kendall carrying on their father's example. Margaret Moon, Kendall 's cousin, has maintained a close and supportive relationship with him over the years. Ken always spoke highly of Margaret, David and Erik and looked forward to sharing holiday and birthday dinners, a game of Bocci ball or a swim in the pool. Kendall is survived by his brother, Gregory Lewis, and his sister-in-law Marlene of Lake Tahoe California, his sister, Cecile Lewis of Manchester New Hampshire, his cousin Margaret Moon of Berlin Vermont and nieces and nephews; Jeremy, Breezy, Russell, Daniel, Sylvia, Tammy, Mary and Kimberly, grand nieces; Stephanie, Shannon and Hannah, and grand nephew Zachary. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother Russell Lewis. Kendall leaves behind a remarkable legacy thanks to the enduring commitment and support of his friend Dennis McDermott. He was employed for 14 years at the Drawing Board, working for Ray and Jody Brown, at La Strada Bakery providing assistance to long time friend, Michael Miller. He was seasonally employed by C &R landscaping, doing lawn maintenance and gardening in downtown Waterbury and held a contract with Upper Valley Services for general office maintenance. Kendall was a valued and committed employee who will be dearly missed by those who have come to depend on his reliability and friendship throughout the years. He was a member of the Quality Review committee at Upper Valley Services for over 5 years. He looked forward to commuting to the monthly meetings in Randolph and catching lunch with his friend Dennis Gray. Kendall 's life was most recently celebrated as the subject of a documentary produced by Cailey, for her senior thesis at St. Michael's College. Kendall had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. During the summer, he enjoyed going to the Barre Country Club with Dennis, Earl Smith and Ian, for a game of golf. He was a loyal support to the Black Door softball team and rarely missed a game becoming their number one fan. Throughout the years, Ken developed a deep personal satisfaction for productivity and helping others. He could always be counted on to help Dennis cut the grass, stack wood, recycle or keep up the house. He loved helping Seth Fontaine with gardening and tending his animals in Worcester . He looked forward to his lunch dates with Mary Jane Blouin at Applebee's or the Wayside. He loved traveling to Newport to see his friend Stevie. He held his friends accountable to the traditions they had established with him, a quality that won the hearts of many. Kendall knew the art of being a friend. He was a collector of movies and leaves behind a vast collection. He had a soft spot for Gorillas which become the topic of many Halloween costumes as well as gift receiving. Kendall will be deeply missed by his second family, those of us from Upper Valley Services of Moretown, Randolph and Bradford. We will miss his laughter and genuine regard for us. His loyalty and kindness have made us better. Kendall will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, and for his generous heart. He helped us remember to appreciate the small things. As summarized most beautifully by his friend Dennis, Kendall will be remembered as…… "The watchman of 112 North Street . Past champion of mental health, goodwill messenger. Flashy dresser, Vermont storyteller. Interested, interesting, impossible dreamer. One of a kind. Rocketed to heaven on Sunday. A friend to all, gorilla heart, Kong. Ken was self-employed, jobs various. Strong back, physical labor a specialty. Money was essential to feed the pleasure of monster movies and cigarettes, big two liter sodas and the occasional O'Douls. Loved Peggy's cooking for the holidays. Barbeque on the Fourth of July, his birthday. Fireworks. His best friend Dennis McDermott, Ian, Cailey and Carolyn. The tireless support of Mary Jane Blouin and Dennis Gray, big love. Thanks to the myriad persons of Upper Valley Services (the old RCL) and State Institutions that helped Kendall on his journey to freedom." A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 29 at 10:30 at the Guare Funeral Home, 30 School Steet, Montpelier . Internment will be held at the Berlin Cemetery following the service. There will be no calling hours. Contributions may be made to the U.S. Headquarters World Wildlife Fund 1250 Twenty-Fourth Street N.W. P.O. Box 97180 Washington , DC 20090-7180 or www.worldwildlife.org