Kenneth L Shipp

Kenneth Lee Shipp, long time Grand Junction resident, passed away on Tuesday, February 7th at the age of 81. Born September, 1941 Ken was the oldest of four children and a 1959 graduate of Central High School. He was a promising young Maverick baseball player when he met his sweetheart, Regina, and they married in 1962. During their years together, Ken and Regina lived and raised their family in Grand Junction, Farmington New Mexico, Denver, and eventually returned to Grand Junction in 2002.

After 30 years of employment with Safeway, Ken retired in the summer of 2013 and continued his pursuit of his lifelong love of the outdoors. Growing up and throughout his teenage years Ken traversed the (then) dirt road up on the Grand Mesa and for years explored his all time favorite place to fish and spend time with family. Ken served his country during the Vietnam conflict era for seven years as a National Guardsman here in Grand Junction. He retired as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.

He was an avid marksman, hunter, and fisherman and spent much of his spare time fixing small projects around the house, tying flies, and working in their backyard garden. Ken was known as an easy going and humorous friend and neighbor. A man of integrity and overall, a genuine loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his sister Deon Basquette (Jerry), his sweetheart (and fishing partner) of 61 years, Regina, his three children, Jeff (deceased), Dan, and Kalene Lewis (Paul), ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A private VA burial service will be held on February 21st, followed by a memorial service on that same date at 2:30 p.m. at Pear Park Baptist Church, 3102 E Road, Grand Junction, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in Ken's name to Treasure Mountain Bible Camp at www.treasuremountainbiblecamp.org by selecting the "donate" tab.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.callahan-edfast.com for the Shipp family.