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.