Obituary of Kenneth J. Knize

Kenneth J. Knize, age 63 of North Tonawanda, died unexpectedly Monday November 15, 2010 in the Waterfront Health Care Center in Buffalo after a brief illness. Ken was born November 20, 1946 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of Mary J. (Melancon) Knize of Lewiston and the late Henry J. Knize. He was a 1966 graduate of Lewiston Porter High School and received an Associates Degree in 1968 from Niagara County Community College. In August of 1969 he began his career with the NY State Department of Transportation. Ken retired as a Senior Engineering Technician in May of 2007. He had lived in North Tonawanda since 1985. Ken was a unique person who certainly marched to the beat of his own drummer. Never having lost his innocent, childlike quality, Ken was content in his own world. He recently described himself as "stuck in the '50's", still talking about Buddy Holly's death and his admiration for Roy Orbison. In his heaven, Ken is driving around in the Knight Rider KITT car and "rockin' around the clock" with his 1950's musical heroes. In addition to his mother, Ken is survived by a sister, Linda (James) Knize-Harper of Colorado Springs, CO and a niece, Eileen Harper. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Friday from 6 - 8 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 20, at 10:00 AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Bellingham, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, officiating. Burial in the Dickersonville Cemetery, Lewiston will be private. Memorials may be made to The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), 317 South Patrick St., Alexandria, VA 22314.