Kenny Fisk

There are times when life seems to have no answers only resounding answers that echo in the depths of ones soul. Kenneth Kenny Fisk was a young man who worked hard throughout his life to overcome the obstacles that seemed to resurface in his life time and time again, yet never losing that special spark that made him such a remarkable young man. Kenny was so much more than just someone who struggled at times. He was an energetic and vibrant man with a contagious sense of humor and an unmistakably charming and witty side with a special place in his heart for his grandparents. During what would seem to be the sunrise of his life, Kennys bright light that was full of so much promise was extinguished much too soon. The year 1986 was a year to remember as it marked the beginning Nintendo video games in the United States, and the space shuttle Challenger exploded killing all seven on board. The family of Kenneth and Sharon (Jasick) Fisk experienced a year to remember in their own home as they were celebrating the birth of their son, Kenneth Andrew, on December 11th. Kenneth, who was always called Kenny, was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as the only child in his family. Kennys father worked as the owner and operator of Wildflower Refinishers and Antiques in Whitehall while his mother worked at Howmet and for their family business when needed. His mother was able to take advantage of a voluntary layoff from work which allowed her to be at home more during Kennys younger years. Kenny was a good baby who was baptized at St. James Catholic Church where the family attended services from time to time. Initially Kenny was raised in the family home on Baldwin Street in Whitehall, but his family moved to a place on Durham Road a few years later. This home was located just a bit out of town with some acreage. Tragedy struck early in Kennys life with the death of his father when Kenny was just four years old. The absence of his father in his life was difficult for Kenny to overcome and it affected him throughout his entire life. Growing up he spent a lot of time with his cousins, Dana and Evan, and he also enjoyed the companionship of his Golden Retriever named Rusty. In many ways Kenny enjoyed a typical childhood doing many of the things that young boys often do. He was always full of energy and his mother would often read to him in order to calm him down, especially at night. Kenny was involved in Cub Scouts, played baseball, and was on a soccer team too. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his Grandpa Jasick. Kenny and his mother liked heading out on the road for a color tour to the Upper Peninsula to visit Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point. Kennys mother continued working at Howmet and kept the family business running too, but eventually she left Howmet to devote herself completely to the refinishing business. As Kenny got older he found a passion for skateboarding. He and his buddies Paul and Eric would build ramps and rails, spending many hours out in the driveway working on tricks. Grandma Jasick would sometimes take them to the Purple East indoor skateboarding place in Grand Rapids or other skate parks in the area. He also had an artistic flair and liked to draw. At Christmas time Kenny loved putting up the outdoor lights, always wanting to add more than he had the year before. Of course a big part of Kennys life was spent in school. He was an adequate student and often the class clown who got into his fair share of trouble. Kennys mother did have to visit the principal a few times over the years. He was a smart boy, but dealing with the structured environment and the related discipline outcomes in school made his time there a bit of a struggle. Challenges during his middle school years caused Kenny to attend an alternative school near Muskegon for a time. When he was 16 he went to Jamaica in order to attend a Teens In Crisis School where the environment was very strict. Only Kennys mother was allowed to visit him while he was there. He was so proud when he graduated from high school there two years later. When he returned from Jamaica, Kenny traveled down a few different roads. He moved back home with his mother, got a job at Subway, and purchased a car. Kenny also started dating and socializing with friends. A short time later he moved to Boca Raton, Florida with his girlfriend. A few of Kennys buddies even followed him there and he found work waiting tables. Florida seemed to be a good fit for Kenny since he hated winter and had grown accustomed to the warmer weather while in Jamaica. He remained in Florida for a couple of years and then moved back home and began working in the family business. Kenny went through a couple of cars and even bought a Honda crotch rocket motorcycle. He took care of his grandmas lawn, enjoyed visiting with his Grandma and never left without giving her a kiss and saying, I love you. Just a couple of months ago Kenny got his own apartment and was living on his own. We will never know why some are given a more difficult hand to play in this life, but we do know that Kenny did the best he could with what he was dealt. He was a great guy with a unique sense of humor and a love for sleeping, lounging around, and ice cream. Although situations were hard sometimes, he could also find joy in things like the beach, a Texas hold em poker game, and cooking food on the grill. Kenny was adventurous, free-spirited, and full of his own quirks such as his dislike for stupid people and liking to flipping his pillow over to get the cold side. For all these things and more Kenny will be so dearly missed while the precious memories he leaves behind will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Kenneth Kenny Fisk died on December 19, 2009. Kennys family includes his mother, Sharon Fisk; grandparents, Art and Arleen Jasick; half-sister, Amanda Loring; aunts and uncles, Gary and Cathy Jasick, Guy and Rhonda Jasick, Michael Jasick, Al and Pat Fisk; as well as many cousins, extended family, and a host of friends. There will a Memorial Service for Kenny on December 29th, 2009 at the Clock Funeral Home of White Lake at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Adrien Thorn officiating. Visitation will take place for two hours prior to the service, 1:003:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to Teen Challenge, 440 East Pontaluna Road, Muskegon, MI 49444-9756, (231) 798-7927