Kenneth R Jenkins

Kenneth Jenkins, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 in the embrace of his loving family. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 14, 1936, to Robert and Georgina (Green) Jenkins. Ken has fond memories of growing up on Deans Avenue in Cambuslang with his big sister Mary, who always cared deeply for him and whom he adored.

In 1952, Ken moved with his parents to Detroit, Michigan during his high school years where he made lifelong friendships with Dick Varney, Jerry Burt, and Larry Berarducci. Ken, Dick, Jerry, and Larry, along with their wives, raised their families together and continued to celebrate and support each other up to the very end. He gathered up other dear friends along the way, including his weekly breakfast “meetings” later in life with Dietrich Jones, Chuck Kissaw, and Steve Smith which were often the highlight of his week.

Ken attended Lawrence Technological University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Ken soon met the love of his life, Joann, at a Highland Park School of Nursing dance, where Joann was studying for her nursing degree. Joann was not fond of Ken initially and she is said to have kicked him out of the dance for causing a ruckus. Ken was persistent, however and Joann eventually agreed to a Belle Isle Canoe ride date which ultimately lead to marriage in 1961 and 64 beautiful and loving years together.

Ken and Joann moved to Farmington in 1968 where they raised their two children Douglas and Karen and embraced the Farmington community. Ken was dedicated to his career and family and was immensely proud of both. After retirement Ken and Joann loved to travel, taking memorable trips to Scotland, Australia, Germany, Alaska, Yellowstone, and Yosemite to name a few. Laguana Beach, California was also a favorite place they often visited.

Ken’s six grandchildren were among the greatest joys of his life. He loved sleepovers, treating them with bagels and picking them up from school and activities. While Ken was never into sports, he loved attending his grandkids sporting events and was their biggest fan.

Ken had an enormous heart and a terrific love for family and friends. He cherished his relationships with his favorite sisters-in-law and all his nieces and nephews near and far. He was generous, loyal, and full of wisdom gained through all of his life experiences and his engineering mindset - Ken could fix or build anything. He will be deeply missed.

Ken passed away peacefully surrounded by family recalling all their favorite trips and memories with their beloved husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joann Jenkins; his children Douglas (Dawn) Jenkins, and Karen (Rick) Pifer; and his cherished grandchildren Kaitlyn, Conor, Ian, Hannah, Liam, and Richard. Ken is predeceased in death by his parents, Robert and Georgina, and his adored sister, Mary Darroch.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to support one of Ken’s passions or toward research for a cure for dementia, which affected him in his later years:

National Park Foundation | The Official Charitable Partner of the… https://give.nationalparks.org/

Detroit Dog Rescue – Detroit's First No-Kill Shelter https://detroitdogrescue.com/donate/

Detroit Literacy Coalition – Literacy Builds Leaders https://detroitliteracy.org/

Dementia Society of America® | Alzheimer's Vascular Lewy Body FTD Dementia https://www.dementiasociety.org/