Always there for the Hope Valor Honor Guard Team!

Dear family of Kenneth:

My name is Bill Riccio! I met Ken at St.Columbkille Parish in Fort Myers, FL.

Ken & I were members of the Hope Hospice Valor Military Honor 
Guard and presented special events for patients who were veterans;
while the veterans were still living! He brought his Marine training to each event. We had some fun too!

Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy!

This man will forever be missed. My most sincerest condolence's and prayers go out to his family. He was just one of those people that could always make the room light up. But god called home one of his best angels, as sad as we feel, he’s looking down on us with that huge smile of his and sending his blessings. With a heavy heart and all of my love,

-Navarre Sisler

Please accept my sincere condolences to all Ken's loved ones. Ken and I met through  the Men's Gospel group at St.Columblekille's.
His motive for his family and friends and for Jesus Christ was always evident in our weekly conversations.
As all Marines he is now guarding "heaven's streets" with his fellow Marines .  Semper Fi, brother.
Ed Greenan  CAPT USN (RET)

I have had the distinct pleasure these past 28 years of knowing and working with Ken Navarre.  He has been my friend and mentor to both me and my daughter, Navarre.

Initially, I was Principal of the Michigan Automotive Academy High School when Ken joined the Academy's Board and it wasn't long before he was the Board's President.  Over the next ten years, his leadership took the Academy from renting space from WCCC to our own stand-alone facility in Romulus and later in Redford.  Additionally, we were able to open three elementary campuses in Detroit.  With his departure, the Academy boasted over 1400 students.

Recently, at a surprise birthday party for me hosted by my daughter, Ken was in attendance along with over 100 Academy graduates and their families.  Ken was absolutely delighted in knowing how many of them had continued in the automotive field, many of them owning their own companies or franchises.  "I guess all that hard work has paid off!" he commented with both a laugh and wink.

Just two weeks ago in a telephone conversation, he again expressed how happy he was with the student's accomplishments and how his hard work in those years had paid off.  He also expressed how happy his life had turned out and we made plans for lunch in November.

Whenever I felt a need for an arm to learn on, Ken was there to listen.  His wisdom and advice was always sound and welcomed.

I will miss those telephone calls twice a year, meeting with him for lunch or dinner and the warm expressions of his personal faith and love of family.

With a roll of my eyes and a chuckle, I don't see him completely resting on the "other side."  Somehow, I see him hard at work "up there" organizing and leading some project, giving sound advice and listening for instructions from the Lord.

Thank you, Ken, for all you've done and your help along the way.  My personal circle of friends has been tightened and smaller with your departure. May Peace be to you, my friend.  

Shalom,  Roger Sisler

Many fond memories  in Venice Isle, Florida!

I met Ken through Meals on Wheels, where he volunteered occasionally. 
He was a real gentleman 
Family, I am sincerely sorry for the loss of Ken.

An amazing listener.  Always interested in his nieces and nephews lives and truly cared.

Never passed up an opportunity to tell others how important they were to him.

Brother/sister bond that was unbreakable.

4 generations  1985
Urban, Ken, Mark, Justin

Baptism of great grandchild Benedict 2023

4 generations  2020
Ken, Mark, Justin, Rafael

On behalf of the employees here at Arizona Engine Rebuilding where Kenneth’s son David works we wish to express our condolences to the Navarre family . I had the pleasure of meeting Kenneth a few years back when he was in Arizona playing golf with family, a true gentleman, may he rest in eternal peace

2017- grandpa and his 2nd great grand baby

Feb 2022  Florida - 1st son, 1st grandkid, and 2 great grand babies

Mr. Navarre, or Ken as he wanted me to call him, but I could never because he was always Mr. Navarre to me. A cool dad in the neighborhood always had smiles for everyone. We’d ride our bicycles and he always waved to us. One time in particular all the kids were playing football in their front yard as he always allowed us to do. My brother David, who was one of the kids that grew up on Foxwood Court would not allow me to play. He would not pick me to be on any team. He told people not to pick me because I was a terrible player and nobody wanted me. Well, Mr. Navarre heard that going on. He stopped it immediately. I’ll never forget him for that and the kindness he showed me. He dried my tears and walked me home. Some things like this are etched in your memories forever.
50+ years later, I saw him a couple of months ago and he looked amazing. Still smiling, still carrying on conversations and remembering times when all of  us were kids.
I’m proud to have known him and remember him always being such a happy man. He truly leaves behind a legacy with all of his children, grandchildren, and maybe even great grandchildren right now. I’m not sure. Remember to look for the signs that heaven shows us. Our loved ones that we have Lost are always, always around us.
I don’t go to the laundromat often, but I was there this past Monday. He came to my mind so many times when I was sitting there I was wondering  if he still comes and works on the machines or is he still owner of this place I really had no idea. Then the next morning I received a text from my brother Danny that told me of his passing.. Such a godly man, thank goodness he did not have to suffer for too long. The good Lord took him and placed him where he needs to be right now. We all have a special angel.
 Dar ♥️

I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I am a Buzzard golfer like Ken, and I always found him with a smile whenever we played. He will be missed very much, but being Home with our Lord and Savior, he is in the very best place to play on the perfect golf course!! May your memories bring smiles, laughter, and a few tears as you remember the very best of Ken!!

Doug Bond

We are deeply saddened to hear about Ken's passing!
He participated in our Monday morning Buzzards league. Ken always had a positive attitude about the game no matter how he played! Always had a smile and something good to say!
Funny story for those who don't know. A month or so ago, we had a down poor on the golf course. We waited over 30 minutes for the rain to end. Well it never did so we drove back to the club house. In the parking lot was a car with it's top down and bucket seats full of water.  Many gathered around for the view asking who's car might that be. Ken comes walking up saying mine with a big smile on his face.  He never got upset. Just laughed with us!
Played with him the last time he came out on Monday Oct. 7.
He will be surely missed. Rest in peace!
Pete Minna

Beloved brother, dear friend, fellow traveler, protector, boss
These are all names I have known you by in our lives.

There is a hole in my heart today 
Can't think to say it any other way
We've shared many a laugh - and of course some tears
Bound to be many in our 80+ years
The bond we shared can't be explained to another
We were blessed with a love -  more than just sister and brother
You've left a beautiful family - quite a legacy
You shared your faith with oh so many
You lived life to the fullest everyone will agree
Now you've gone home - I'm sure, happily 
GOD SPEED, DEAR BROTHER

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ken for several years at St. Columbkille Church in Fort Myers.  A fellow Knight of Columbus, a spiritual person, a role model and a true friend.  He is missed and will be in my prayers.    Fred Poinsett.

So long to my friend, spiritual brother, and mentor for many years. I’ll see you on heaven’s golf course. 🙏🏻

Dear Navarre family. 

Our sincere condolences for Ken Navarre family. He was a great man and friend to many. He shared his  love for the gospel, praying the rosary, work for the needy and volunteer work for so many events. He and Lynn raised amazing children and his  family grew to show God’s Love. Sending hugs to all and special prayers to you, Theresa who made him laugh and love again. 
Linda  Hasenauer and family 🙏🏼🌅

OBITUARY

Kenneth Urban Navarre

February 5, 1936 – October 22, 2024

Elton Black & Son Funeral Home

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