A Mother’s Letter to Her Son Deputy Chief Kenneth Gardner

March 1st marked the one-year anniversary of the sudden and untimely death of my very dear son and friend, and former Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Kenneth O. Garner.  Nothing is more endearing than to honor a loved one passed and to bestow a purposeful and meaningful tribute to their memory.  Kenny, as he was fondly known by so many, will always be remembered and honored as a man who gave so much to so many and for touching the lives, hearts and souls of literally thousands.  

Although finding the words to convey my feelings on the first anniversary of my very painful loss is difficult, I reflect on my son’s passing and I think of not how Kenny died but how he lived and the legacy he left with all of us, and I smile and a sense of calm comes over me.  I remember that no matter how long we exist, we have our memories and that Kenny my son you haven’t gone away, because you are forever in all of our hearts and your spirit continues to live on in each of us every day.  Also, although we all continue to mourn your loss, we are comforted in knowing that for one year now you have been seated at the right hand of the supreme chief, “Chief Jesus.”  As I look toward the day when we all shall be reunited with you again, the following phrase brings me comfort:  

“This day is remembered and quietly kept,
No words are needed, we shall never forget,
For those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen and unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, and so very dear.”

Love,
Mom

Mary Garner mother of Kenneth Garner

Mary Garner is available for interviews via Media Relations Section.

Comments

[DDW]

Mrs. Garner:

I am an LAPD Reserve Officer who served under your son when he was Commander of Personnel Group. It was a pleasure to serve under him. He is well remembered by many of us for his fine leadership, friendship, and cheerfulness. He is definitely missed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Bob]

We miis you Kenny

[Roscoe Bradley]

As I reflect on the life of Brother Kenny Garner.
He was my line brother of Kappa Alpha Psi at Cal State Long Beach. .A man of achievement, a Dad, church man, smooth jazz fan and My friend.
His wamth smile and leadership got us though many a nite when we were Scrollers and students. the Brothers of the Bond miss you Phi Nu Pi
May the Lord Bless your memory...

[Beverly Lewis]

I owe my entire 19 year career to Chief Garner or "KG" as many of us called him. He was such an inspiration and taught me everything I know about leadership. I first worked for him as a young officer and immediately knew that I was in the company of someone born for greatness. He had such compassion for people and was incredibly generous. Mrs Garner I thank you because I know you taught him those qualities. Not a day goes by that I don't feel the loss of my friend and mentor. But I am grateful to have had the time I did with him. KG you are always in my heart and will be missed.

[Reserve Deputy]

Dear Mrs. Garner,

I was fortunate enough to have met your son a few times when I was considering joining the LAPD Reserve Corps. Prior to meeting your son, good friends of mine who are long time LAPD veterans who either worked with or for your son over the years ALL spoke very highly of him and the common theme was always that "Kenny-G ALWAYS takes care of his Cops."

I am very am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have met such a great leader and I was very saddened when I learned of his passing... My thoughts were: "Too young with too many things left to do"... Sometimes God takes the most special among us because he has other important things for them to do elsewhere...

Your son obviously had some pretty amazing parents to have raised such a great man and natural leader.

I realize that words will do nothing to lessen the pain and sorrow of losing such a beloved child, but I hope it helps to know how well respected your son was by everyone who encountered him. Not to take anything away from Chief Beck, who I also have great admiration for, but my LAPD veteran friends all felt for sure that Kenny-G would be the next Chief of the LAPD.

God Bless You and your family, Mrs. Garner...

[Swami Squad]

Only the good die young.

Kenny G was a COP, he served, he counted!

Thank you for your help.

Rest in peace sir.