Kenneth Stewart Small

Kenneth Stewart Small passed away at his home in Bakersfield, CA surrounded by his family on August 19th, 2023, at the age of 80. "Stewart", as he was affectionately known by his close friends and family, was one of four children born to Mercedes and Hershel Small in Newport, Oregon on April 27, 1943. Ken moved to Bakersfield during his elementary school years and later attended Bakersfield High School at which time he began his working career. Ken's first official job was loading sacked potatoes in box cars on Cottonwood Rd. Soon after, he took a welder's helper position at the Southern Pacific Foundry, which he might have exaggerated his actual age to be able to get the job. Ken moved on to Hopper Machine in 1961 where his actual welding career started. He later moved into a contract welder position for Getty Oil at the Kern River Lease throughout the 1970's. His impeccable quality of work coupled with his hard work ethic opened doors at Getty Oil. As business opportunities opened, so did the door to his heart. Ken married the love of his life, Glenda Sue (Susie) Small in 1978. Together, Ken and Susie, formed Ken Small Construction Inc. and started providing oilfield maintenance and construction services at the Kern River Field in 1981. This business venture is the foundation of the current KS Industries portfolio of companies that peaked at 3100+ employees and has provided services in seven different states, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. KSI, as it is currently known, has become a leading provider of Engineering, Fabrication, Construction, Maintenance, and Investment Recovery services in the US Energy Sector.

Ken's hard work ethic was not only related to business ventures. He also played hard too. His business success afforded him the opportunity to pursue other passions, hunting, fishing, and stock car racing. He hunted and fished his way across the globe including Africa, Europe, Australia, and North and South America. His worldly travel was not limited to hunting and fishing adventures. He traveled extensively with Susie and close friends just for the sake of adventure, which included more trips to Europe and Asia. He traveled many roads, and many were not paved. It was the unpaved roads that brought him the most joy and his favorite destination was his ranch in Cody, Wyoming. His competitive nature fueled his passion for stock car racing as a team owner of a Craftsman Series truck with his driver son, Jason. Ken's love of cars wasn't limited to just fast ones. Ken had an extensive collection of classic cars that he would attend cars shows with or just cruise around the central coast with Susie.

Ken is joined in Heaven by his parents Mercedes and Hershel Small, brother Robert Small, sister Lois Adams, sister Gwendolyn Small, son Craig Small and Granddaughter Lauren Small.

Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susie, son Kevin Small and wife Tuesday, daughter Aimee Small Stancliff and husband Paul, son Jason Small and wife Jessica. Grandchildren Kyle, Kenzer, Gracie, Keegan, and Reese Stancliff, and great grandchildren Kade, Kole, and Kam (coming soon), and many loving and nieces and nephews.

His will to live was unmatched. He was so excited to be able to see his grandson Kenzer graduate high school with Honors and to witness his daughter Aimee marry Paul before his work on earth was done. Without the Organ Donor program and the Tonks family none of these milestones would have been achieved.

A special thanks to Dr. Bob Laughlin, Dr. Tommy Lee, BMH ICU Staff and Hoffman Hospice.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lauren Small Children's Center or JJ's Legacy.The Family will hold a private graveside ceremony followed by an open Celebration of Life at Bakersfield Country Club on September 12th at 11:30 am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Small family.