Tompkins, Kenneth Lee

WILTON- Kenneth Lee Tompkins, Sr., 81, passed away Friday, April 17, 2015 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by all ten of his children and his devoted wife Jeanne. Born and educated in Albany, he was son of the late Harry and Mary (Lynch) Tompkins.

Known by all as “Kool Ken” due to his quick wit and boundless energy he was a rare soul loved by all. Ken split his time between his home in Saratoga and his winter destination in New Smryna Beach Florida. His passion was his summer camp in Saranac Lake built with his own two hands, it was his life’s project. Never an idle soul, Ken was a “tinknocker” at his family owned business and loved to work with his hands, always had a project in the works and a tune to whistle. Later in life, Ken was an avid golfer who loved to share his expertise with those who dared golf with him.

Ken leaves behind his loving wife, Jeanne (Lawlor) Tompkins; his children, Kenneth (Sherri) Tompkins, Jr., Daniel Tompkins, Gregory Tompkins, Marylou (Robert) Drouin, Harry Tompkins, Stephen (Mary) Tompkins, Michelle Knickerbocker, Peter (Jennifer) Tompkins, Joann (Theodore) Gross and Jennifer (Jonathan) Carlson. Kool Ken was a rare breed of grandfather who shared stories, attend the athletic games and always had a story and advice for his grandchildren. His Grandchildren, Carl and Jason Tompkins, Danielle and Jackie Drouin, Tanner, Mackenzie, Bailey, Connor, Keagan, and Broedy Tompkins, Jesse Jurcsak, Jaden, Lindsay and Kiernan Tompkins, Robyn Eames, and Alexander and Lucas Carlson will carry on his memory and make him a proud Papa. Ken also leaves behind his beloved brother, Harry Tompkins, Jr. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Tompkins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated On Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Thomas the Apostle, 35 Adams Pl., Delmar. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany on Monday, April 20, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Ken’s name to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.