Ralph Herbert Kenan
Born April 21, 1925 - Died May 2, 2017

Ralph Herbert Kenan, 92 years young, was born on April 21, 1925 in Syracuse, New York to parents James and Hazel Kenan. He attended Syracuse Public Schools through high school and then attended Syracuse University, graduating in 1947 with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering. During this time, Ralph was called to serve his country as an Army Tech Sergeant working on the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

After college, Ralph became employed by St. Regis Paper Company as a Technical Sales and Service Rep, retiring in 1983 after 36 years of service.

In December 1951, Ralph first met Barbara Bowen during a Young Adult Fellowship gathering at First Presbyterian of Watertown, and they soon fell in love and were married in October of 1952.

Ralph took great pride in being a family man. And he and Barbara expanded their family over the years, adopting three children: Andrew, Daniel, and Karen, to whom they were completely devoted. Family time together and vacations were a priority. Whether it be at favorite destinations such as the Cuddeback Cottage at Skaneateles Lake, NY, the MacKenzie Cottage at 31-Mile Lake in Canada, or the numerous state and national parks throughout the United States, it was always the family packed into the green Bel Air wagon, pulling behind the Starcraft tent trailer, and on to the next adventure. As their children grew and expanded their families, the house (and pool) at their home on Summit Blvd. became the centerpiece of the family activities. Many holiday dinners at the dining room table, and summers spent splashing in the pool and playing games on the back porch with “Grammy and Gramps”.

Much like his beloved wife Barbara, Ralph was very active in church work. After the Kenans moved from New City, New York to Pensacola, Florida in 1972, they soon joined Trinity Presbyterian Church, with both Barbara and Ralph becoming very active in various leadership roles such as Deacon, and Facilities Committee Chairman, and participating in the programs and activities, including retreats at Dogwood Acres, Bible Study groups and Sunday School.

Upon Ralph’s retirement from St. Regis Paper Company, they traveled the world through Grand Circle tours, visiting many European countries, as well as Turkey, Russia, Thailand, Australia, and Alaska.

After 44 years in their home, Barbara and Ralph moved to Summer Vista Assisted Living in 2016, adjusting to their new apartment lifestyle, making new friends, receiving old ones, and accepting limitations.



Ralph was preceded in death by his “heart” his wife, of 64 years Barbara Kenan; his parents, James and Hazel Kenan; his in-laws, Merl and Helen Bowen; his daughter, Karen Nicholson; his grandson, Sean Kenan; his sister, Shirley Johnson, and his nieces, Linda and Cindy.

He is survived by his sons, Andy and Dan (and daughter in law Cheryl); grandchildren, Christopher, Rochelle, Christina, Quincy, Ashley and Daniel; and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ginny Young (Bob); brother in-law, Bill Johnson (Shirley deceased); brother in-law, Bruce M. Bowen (Loyce); and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews from New York to Ohio to Washington DC.

The Kenan family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staffs at Summer Vista and Emerald Coast Hospice for their love and care of our father. His final year was made better because of you all.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ralph’s name to Manna Food Pantries, Emerald Coast Hospice, or Trinity Presbyterian Church.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 18th at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola.

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