Email  Print

Kenneth (Ken) Randolph Peavler

May 2, 1917-Jan. 21, 2013

  Ken had the gift of enjoying life to the fullest every day, and seeing the beauty in simple things, and giving joy, laughter and smiles to all who knew him. He survived the loss of many loved ones and still was able to find happiness in each and every day. His jokes and stories were legendary, and everyone who knew him was touched by his special love. Ken believed in the healing power of a smile, a hug, even a hummingbird passing by.

  Ken Peavler was born to loving parents, Harry and Mattie (nee Randolph) Peavler, in Danville, Ill. He had one brother and three sisters, and talked often of having a happy childhood. In 1941, Ken was drafted into the Army and sent to California, where he served as a supply sergeant. Ken met and married Virginia Hout in 1943 and their son, Steven Paul Peavler, was born two years later. Ken, Virginia, and Steve spent many happy times camping, fishing, hiking and celebrating their love of nature.  Ken started working for Crocker Bank as an operations officer in 1949 and remained with the company until retiring.

  In 1971, Virginia passed away. The following year, Ken married Margrit Wey, a native of Switzerland, who had been a friend of the family for some time. Margrit and Ken had a happy married life, spending most of their years together in Temelec. They also traveled extensively – to Holland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Africa, Tahiti – on adventures that Ken dearly loved. During his retirement, Ken also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, ushering at the San Francisco Opera, serving as a tour guide, and volunteering at Sonoma Valley Hospital in cardiac rehab.

  Margrit Peavler passed away in 1999. In the years afterward, Ken and his son, Steve, spent time together in Sonoma as well as traveling abroad. They had a very close and loving relationship. Steve died in 2007.

  The greatest loves in the latter part of Ken’s life were his two granddaughters, Rachael (31) and Hannah (26). Both girls loved their “gramps” and shared with him a close personal bond. During the past four years, Ken lived in Sonoma’s Merrill Gardens where his granddaughters and his daughter-in-law, Jeanette Peavler, could often be seen with him.

  Ken Peavler will be sorely missed by many. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Merrill Gardens, 800 Oregon St., Sonoma.  All are welcome.