Herbert “Garth” McKen, 91, of Anderson, passed away on February 21, 2019. He was born on June 10, 1927 in Alberta, Canada to Herbert and Jessie (Wood) McKen.
Garth grew up in British Columbia and was a miner on Lightening Peak before earning his Journeyman Machinist’s Certificate at Calgary Tech. From there he went on to realize his dream of being a mechanical engineer continuing his education at Indiana Tech. His whole engineering career was with the Sheller-Globe Corporation (later United Technologies) designing steering wheels and airbags.
He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as Bishop, Stake President, Temple Sealer, and Patriarch. Garth and Eunice served full time missions at the Chicago Temple and filming genealogy records in Arizona.
Garth loved to work, read, and write, having written 15 biographical and family history works including his biography.
Garth is survived by his wife of 66 years Eunice Fay Lieshman; children Sandra (Randy) Myers, Teresa (Jeff) Sutton, and Bryant (Pam) McKen; 13 grandchildren; 18 & 1/2 great-grandchildren; brother Archie McKen; and sister Shirley Bayne.
He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 26 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 200 W. 46th Street, Anderson at 11 am with visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Grove Lawn Cemetery in Pendleton.
A. Long says
The loss of a loved one is death is a most difficult circumstance, often we find ourselves entirely overwhelmed by the crushing weight of emotions along with the responsibilities of making funeral preparations, and struggling to understand why people have to die. The time surrounding a loss such as this is not usually associated with hope, however hope is exactly what I would like to share with you now. This hope is found in the Bible, it is a loving promise from our creator Jehovah God himself. Acts 24:15 states “And I have this hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Here we are promised that despite our life course if we die, Jehovah will resurrect us in his due time. This biblical promise has provided comfort to my family during our recent loss and I hope that it will do the same for yours. I encourage you to visit JW.ORG for further comforting promises from the Bible.
Leena says
Brother Mcken was a sweet guy. I miss him. Him and Sister Mcken were some of the first people i met when I joined the LDS church. Prayers and condolences sent to Sister Mcken and her and Brother Mckens families. Brother McKen will be missed greatly R.I.P