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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Doyl, Kenneth E.

Age 100

DOYL, Kenneth E. Family and friends lost a true hero on June 19 with the passing of Kenneth Doyl, a beloved and treasured father, grandpa, and great-grandpa.

He passed away at home peacefully in his sleep.

He was born in Spokane on February 06, 1915 (a centurion).

He lived his entire life in Spokane, graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and married his sweetheart Etta in 1939.

Ken worked at Spokane Fur Company after high school.

His first job for them was driving a delivery truck.

He began to show interest in the fur business and started to work in the back room.

They needed someone to make fur patterns so Ken was sent to a furrier school in New York.

He was sent a second time later to New York to a wholesale company that cut and made fur coats so he could learn the trade.

There he met Etta Beauchene who ran the fur machines.

After being drafted in the Navy and serving in the Pacific during WWII as a parachute rigger, (never enjoyed flying after that), he returned to Spokane Fur Co. until the business was sold.

Ken and Bob Carey opened Carey-Doyl Furs a year later which he ran for twelve years.

He then worked for Alfred Boge Furriers until 1972.

In 1975 Ken and his partner, Bob Giffing bought Spokane Fur Company and retired in 1993 at the age of 78.

Ken enjoyed playing golf and hit a hole in one in his ‘70s and received many trophies.

He was also a member of Spokane’s first hockey team with three brothers.

He liked to fish, waterski, ice skate, hunt and enjoyed planting a large garden every year.

He purchased a time share several years ago and we spent many years enjoying family vacations together.

The family spent many weekends and vacations at lakes, swimming and waterskiing.

He was a very devoted husband; father and grandfather always strived to make sure their needs were met.

He built his home in 1954 and has built a close friendship with many neighbors including monthly gatherings.

Family and friends celebrated his 100th birthday at a buffet in the valley in February.

We had five generations among two granddaughters.

Ken leaves behind his daughter, Jerrene Schlosser of Marysville; three grandchildren, Lori Banas of Burlington, Washington, Sandi Keller of Mesa, Arizona, Chris Love, of Spokane Valley; nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Etta, his parents, Joe and Bessie Doyl, five brothers, Vernon, Wayne, Stanley, Larry and Lloyd, his son, Melvin Doyl, one grandchild Kristine, one great-great-grandchild Trynt.

The family appreciates the support and love of his full time caregivers at home, Cheryle Belton, Steve Belton, Cynthia Shirley, and granddaughter-in-law Tess Love.

We recently had hospice and thank them for their assistance and care.

In lieu of flowers, as Ken donated to various organizations, please donate to your favorite charity in his name.

Heaven has received another wonderful angel.

Bapa always had one more push to give but not on June 19.

Rest in peace dad, grandpa, and say hello to all our loved ones in heaven.

The funeral is Tuesday, July 7 at 10 a.m.at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Rd., Spokane Valley.

Navy military honors and luncheon will follow.

Burial will be at Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Rd.

Please go to www.mem.com an online memorial service to share life remembrances you have which will be printed in a memory book with the photographs.