Kenneth Thomas Atherholt

Kenneth Thomas Atherholt was born a bit over 92 years ago in a place in upstate New York where it snows a lot. His parents were somewhat nomadic, and he eventually ended up in Salt Lake City where he met the love of his life, Patrica Ward. He eventually talked her into marrying him. They moved to California where he started his career in engineering and his family. They had two daughters. His career progressed to management, and promotions moved the family to Richmond, then back to California, and eventually back to Richmond. They fell in love with the Goochland lifestyle and there they stayed and created Compromise, the name of their home in Goochland - close enough to get to all Pat’s events, far enough out with space for Ken to breathe. They created grandkid heaven, with swings hanging from huge trees, a creek with a bridge for Pooh sticks, vegetable gardens, a zip line and a big, red tractor. The huge old house had many rooms, perfect for hide and seek and jumping on the beds. Daughter Susan married Eric Wong and provided adored granddaughter Kenna Yan. Daughter Judith married Edward Showalter and provided much beloved grandsons, Davis Ward and Thomas Fox. Fox brought Brittany into their lives, and they loved her as a granddaughter as well. Notice how all the grandkids are named after Ken and Pat? That’s the important part of the story. They adored being Ami and Papa. Compromise became ‘Auntie Pat’s Summer Camp’. Everywhere they went, Ami and Papa were always trailing various kids. Well, except when Ken was running with the Goochland Volunteer Fire Department. Ken drove the ambulance for many years but could drive any vehicle and became quite familiar with the various dirt roads and gravel paths in Goochland. A trip to Company 1 with tours of the different trucks was always on the agenda for camp. All summer long, camp was open to beloved grandnieces visiting from California as well as grandkids and friends. At Compromise, all were welcome - the table could always fit one more chair and another bed could always be made. Ami left us a few years back and Papa has now joined her in heavenly Compromise. But the love they had and the love they left behind lives in all these people who will miss them and rejoice for them until we meet again in the place they go to prepare for us.

A memorial service will be held at River Road United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 12. Details will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers request donations be made to the Goochland Volunteer Fire Department, Company 1.