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.