Kendall Willoughby died on Sept. 14, 2014, due to metastatic lung cancer. He was 73.
Ken worked on the Vineyard driving tour buses, and as a taxi dispatcher, a shuttle-bus driver, and a crewman for the Steamship Authority. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and served in several capacities on merchant marine ships for 10 years. He resided with his mother in their home in Oak Bluffs until she died in 1999. He loved working in the garden, and was known for the many flowers blooming in the small backyard.
Ken then moved to Hyannis, and worked as a homemaker for the VNA of Cape Cod for five years. He was a member of the Mid-Cape Assembly of God Church, and was known for his generosity and kindness. He developed a Jamaican connection, giving rides to many who needed transportation to their jobs, buying and giving Bibles and food to those who did not have any, even buying dog food in one instance.
During winter storms, Ken would get up every two hours to make sure his car was clear to be able to get people to work on time. He volunteered at Diamonds in the Rough Ministry, buying ingredients and making sandwiches for the homeless.
He is survived by his sister Frances (Willoughby) Derrick of Hyannis and his brother Shawn Willoughby of Tisbury. His sister Marilyn (Willoughby) Damon predeceased him.
A burial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4at 11 am at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs. A celebration of his life will be held on Oct. 7 at Mid-Cape Assembly of God, 142 Depot St., Dennisport, at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the church or to the American Legion.