Kenneth Hyatt Jr.’s life helped enrich community

Dear Editor, The Kingston community mourns the loss of Kenneth E. Hyatt Jr.

After a long illness, Ken passed from this world, but he left a legacy which has enriched thousands of people throughout the years.

Ken led the kind of life which we all would like to emulate. It was a life filled with attributes most of us strive to obtain. Ken struggled for years with a serious illness, but he never complained nor questioned his inability to do the things he could do when he was well or the things that others were able to do. In fact, he reached out to those he considered less fortunate than he. His faith in God gave him a great deal of solace.

At Golden Hill Health Care Center, he was known as the mayor. We will never know (because he did not want attention or recognition) how many people he visited/comforted there, with his motorized wheelchair as his transportation.

I had the privilege to work for Ken in the Kingston school district. He treated everyone with dignity no matter what the issue. He was kind, fair and funny. He would reminisce when I went to visit him, and I will miss our conversations and his stories. He was one of the most forgiving persons I have ever known, and I know he always made every effort possible to mend fences and let go of the past. Old friends and new friends came to see him, and I know he loved seeing them all.

Ken taught us so much about being better people by his example. I think these lessons will live in our hearts forever, and when we think of Ken we will remember the good that he saw in all people and how he reached out to those who needed help or support.

It is with affection and gratitude that I bid farewell to a cherished friend: Thank you for being a part of my life, Ken, and, until we meet again, may you rest in peace. Jean Steuding Kingston, N.Y.