Obituary: Tackitt, Kenneth J.
Age 82
Growing up, he was known as Smiley for his easy, constant smile and, because of his athleticism and likable personality, was elected captain of the Flora High School football team.
After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served for four years.
He was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington where he met the love of his life, Joanna.
They would have been married for 61 years in August.
After leaving the Air Force, Kenneth completed coursework in Accounting and Electrical Engineering and was hired by the Washington Water Power Company (now Avista) where he worked for thirty-three years, retiring in 1988.
He was one of the first Junior Operators at Noxon Rapids Dam and ended his career as a Systems Operator at the Spokane headquarters.
He enjoyed a long, happy retirement.
He and Joanna loved traveling around the country in their RV, visiting their children and seeing the sights.
After they retired the RV, they enjoyed taking cruises.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Pearl Tackitt.
He is survived by his wife, Joanna; their children, Kenneth A.
(Jean) of Bellevue, WA, Steven M. of Portland, OR, and Brenda A.
(Scott) McLellan of Boise, ID; and one grandchild, Benjamin D. McLellan of Boise, ID.
He went into the arms of Jesus on June 28, 2014.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11:00 AM, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Spokane and Hospice House South and its wonderful staff and volunteers for the exemplary care they provided to Kenneth.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Hospice of Spokane at PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210, or St. John Vianney Catholic Church.