Obituary of Kenneth J. Sommerville

Not many of the brothers and sisters at Wilbraham Bible School who saw young “Kenny” ride up on a Harley Davidson would have imagined that he would turn into such a productive and loving servant of our Lord Jesus.

Born to John and Florence (Styles) Sommerville in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1937, Ken moved to California in 1962, marrying Bonnie Young that same year. Together they raised Kellie Gelineau, Erin Bottomley, Joshua Sommerville and Sarah Prince. They have loved and enjoyed eight grandchildren and six great-children.

Growing up in Fairview New Jersey, Ken lost his mother at age 3, and as his Dad had to work to support them his Aunt Em and Uncle Bill played a large role in helping to raise him up until age 9 when John married Mary Styles, his stepmother.  His father raised Ken with a strong sense of purpose and values centered around God, family, and hard work.  At age 10 he got his first job, delivering papers, along with his great friend Ray Riley.  Each week when he came home his stepmother Mary would divide his pay into 3 buckets: Savings, tithings, and fun money.  When Ken was 18 and received his draft notice, he applied as a conscientious objector whereupon he was assigned to work at the Byberry Mental Hospital, then known as the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry. When the time came for him to leave Mary handed him the savings she had accrued from his work since age 10, and he was able to use that money to buy a car and move out to fulfill his duty.  Those who knew Ken will always remember him wryly starting sentences with, “When I was in the Mental Hospital…”

One of Ken’s core beliefs was in the benefit of hard work, and contribution to community.  His tireless energy and unwavering commitment led him to participate in a multitude of endeavors throughout his life.

Ken worked steadfastly with other brethren on the Pacific Coast Christadelphian Amended Reunion Committee to bring about reunion on the West Coast, uniting himself in fellowship with many that he considered lifelong friends. When the Christadelphian Bible Mission in England wanted assistance with preaching in Latin America Ken formed and chaired the CBMA for over 44 years. Ken was one of the original seven brethren in the formation of what is now the Simi Hills Ecclesia where he fellowshipped for over 45 years. When the Tidings Magazine formed a steering committee Ken was one of the first ones chosen and served the magazine for over 25 years. Ken also enjoyed teaching history at the Christadelphian Heritage School for 15 years.

Ken partnered with Bob Lloyd in 1964 to build their insurance agency which evolved into a large and successful business that has employed over two dozen brothers and sisters over the years, and numerous others that over the years also became like an extended family.

A big step up from the paper route that he began when he was 10 years old.

And in between all of this he always found time for his family, for friends, and truly, for any person that was in need of an ear to bend or a place to stay.  He often said “what’s the point of having these things and this home, if not to share them.”

Before dying, Ken wrote, “God blessed me with 85 years of good health. Then I turned 86. Thankfully, God blessed me with Bonnie. I am very thankful for our lives together and my wife’s loving care for me during these last years. She is truly wonderful.”

We look forward to seeing him again in our Lord’s Kingdom, where we are sure that Ken will be busy working on a project for his Lord.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Christadelphian Bible Mission at: US Donations - CBMAC

All are welcome to attend services on August 4th at 4pm at:

Simi Hills Christadelphian Ecclesia
6701 Santa Susana Pass Rd
Simi Valley, CA 93063
People may also attend virtually at: vimeo.com/event/4161484