Kenneth Lee Loyd Jr.

Kenneth Lee Loyd Jr., 51, was born Jan. 8, 1962 in Denver, Colo., to Kenneth and Marilyn Loyd, and he left us too early on June 18, 2013.

At a young age, he became interested in building, horses, motorcycles, hunting and fishing. He had an inquisitive mind and was always building “inventions.” Ken attended Hygiene Elementary School until the age of 12, when the family moved to Alaska.

Once in Alaska, Ken attended Wasilla Junior and Senior High Schools. When he became bored with school, the teachers would have him tutor other students, which he truly enjoyed. He was always in trouble with teachers because he didn’t like to write down the work to finish the problems — he didn’t see the need when he could do it faster in his mind. He had a photographic memory. He graduated from Wasilla High in 1980.

After graduating, he worked with his dad doing construction work. He also worked on the Valdez oil spill. Later, he started his own construction company in Wasilla, and then continued on when he moved to Florida with his own family.

He was married to Crystal for 20 years and together they raised four wonderful children.

He achieved all he accomplished in spite of the many physical challenges he overcame. Through all his challenges, he never lost his sense of humor or love of life. During these times his faithful companion Cocky (his dog) was by his side.

He loved motorcycles, hunting, four-wheeling, fishing, cooking and — more than anything — spending time with his family.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Loyd Sr.; maternal and paternal grandparents; as well as cousins, aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his former wife and best friend, Crystal; children Jaykob (Jolene), Kally, Katelynn and Kenneth James; and grandchildren, Joe and Serenity, all of Florida. He’s also survived by his mother, Marilyn Loyd; sisters, Eva Kowalski (Phil) and Stacy Loyd; and brother, David Loyd, all of Big Lake. Also surviving is brother, John Loyd (Cindy) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stories and comments may be shared at facebook.com/kenloyd.memories.

Viewing will be Tuesday, June 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Services will follow at 3 p.m. at Faith Bible Fellowship Church in Big Lake. That will be followed by graveside services at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery on Wasilla Fishhook.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.