In Memoriam: Kenneth C. Dettling

Kenneth C. Dettling

Kenneth C. Dettling passed away at his home on Thursday, Oct. 4,  among loved ones after a 10 month battle with lung cancer. He was 83 years old. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years, Joyce; son, Bruce; three stepchildren, Scott Dennis, Dana S. Jameson and Steve Dennis; niece, Twila Larson; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was sadly predeceased by his first wife, Marie, in 1984 after her own bout with cancer.

Ken was born and raised in North Dakota and proudly served his country in the armed forces. After his time in the Army, he moved to California in the late 1950s to pursue a career in broadcasting. He started that journey as a radio disc jockey and then joined KCET in 1965, where he became one of the most respected lighting directors in the entertainment industry. As a humble man that placed more value on the people he loved than his own accomplishments, few people knew that he won six Emmy Awards between 1977 and 1996.

Ken was a longtime avid golfer who often built golf clubs for his fellow golfers. He was an active member of several Canyon Lake associations including the Canyon Lake Men’s Golf Club, CLAMS  and the Tuesday Work Group. He was honored to have served as president for CLAMS and the Tuesday Work Group during his time in Canyon Lake.

His fellow golfers held a Celebration of Life on Thursday, Oct. 11, to remember the times they shared with friends and family.

Friends of Ken are welcome to join his memorial service to be held at on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. at Evans-Brown Mortuary, 27010 Encanto Dr., Sun City.