Clinton E. Kennington

Clinton Edward Kennington, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away July 19th, 2019, after a ten-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 70. Clinton was born February 24th, 1949, in Logan, Utah, to William Hugh and Carol Bowker Nelson Kennington. The family lived in Logan until Hugh graduated from Utah State University. In 1950 they came to the Treasure Valley, where they began dairy farming west of Ontario, Oregon. Clinton was at home with all aspects of farming, whether caring for animals, working with machinery, irrigating, attending board meetings, going to auctions, repairing fences, and fixing things. Clinton loved being part of a large family. Clinton was active in Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating in 1967 from Ontario High School and attending a year at Ricks College in eastern Idaho, he served a two year Spanish-speaking mission in California for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was fluent in Spanish, which served him all his life. Upon his return he attended a year at Treasure Valley Community College. In September 1971, Clinton began studying Economics at Brigham Young University Provo, where he was introduced to Patricia Jo Redd at a start-of-the-school-year get-together. After their first meeting, he informed his roommates that she was the girl he would marry. Following graduation, they were married for time and eternity on May 10, 1974 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. Clinton and Patty returned to Ontario to farm with Clinton’s parents. Together they raised five children: Vanessa, Carrie, Conrad, Casey and Jeffrey. It was Clint’s privilege and honor to work, laugh, and play alongside his children, whom he considered to be the greatest blessings in his life. Clinton was lifelong friends of neighboring families within many miles of Kennington Farms. He and his father implemented efficient and ecologically friendly farming practices. Clint was a board member of the Oregon Dairy Farmer’s Association for many years. He was involved in community efforts to protect the farming way of life. In later years, Clint and Patty were able to travel many places in the world. Clinton served in many callings in the LDS Church, including Bishop, Gospel Doctrine teacher, Counselor in the Stake Presidency, and member of the High Council. He took interest in the youth and in single members, widows and widowers, and always greeted them and remembered each name. He and Patty twice served for two years in the LDS Spanish-speaking branch in Ontario.  After 40 years of farming, Clinton and Patty retired in order to serve as missionaries for the LDS Church in Concepcion, Chile, from the fall of 2013 to early 2015. In Chile, they helped administer the Perpetual Education Fund for those wanting to improve their job skills and education. Upon their return, they bought a home in Fruitland where Clint built a beautiful garden shed, and Patty planted flowers. Clinton made friends with all the neighbors, and spent his time installing sprinkler pipe, improving lawns, and spraying for weeds for anyone who asked for help. Clinton and Patty enjoyed family gatherings and camping trips. Clinton’s last camping trip was a chartered airplane ride to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness with his sons Conrad and Casey. Clint and Patty were making plans for a return visit to dear friends in Chile when Clinton began experiencing anemia and shortness of breath. In late September 2018, Clinton was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He received a stem cell transplant from his youngest sister, Charlotte, which extended his life for several months. In the end, the leukemia relapsed early and became untreatable. After two rounds of chemo to prepare him for one last procedure, the medical team at St. Luke’s MSTI in Boise had to tell him they could do nothing more for him. Clinton came home and was placed in hospice care. He lived out his remaining weeks surrounded by loved ones and visiting with a steady stream of friends from memorable parts of his life. He looked forward to every visit and appreciated every phone call and card. He faced the end of his life at peace, grateful for his many blessings, and without regrets. He retained his unique and sweet sense of humor until the end. Clinton is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patty, of Fruitland, Idaho; his father, William Hugh; five sisters and one brother (Cathy, Wendy, Brad, Jenny, Heidi and Charlotte); five children, their spouses, and 20 grandchildren: Vanessa and Mark Christenson of Fruitland (Amber, Carter, and Spencer): Carrie and Jon Snider of Phoenix, AZ (Dallin, Justin, Sydney and Brynn); Conrad and Sarah Kennington of Meridian Idaho (Athena, Carson, Anna, Clayton and Naomi); Casey and Katie Kennington of Meridian, Idaho (Elsa, Leah, Mary, Isaac and Anton); and Jeffrey and Brielle Kennington of Flagstaff, AZ (Austin, Bennett and Junette); many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Carol. We want to express our thanks for the care and kindness shown to Clinton by the doctors, nurses and staff of the Mountain States Tumor Institute at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, and for the compassionate nurses of Doctor’s Hospice of Idaho. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 27th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center on 1705 NW 4th Ave, Ontario, Oregon, 97914. Visitation with family members will be 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. of the same day. Vault interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Gardens in Payette, Idaho.

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