Kenneth Charles Blodgett Sr.

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Kenneth Charles Blodgett Sr., 72, of Brocton, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Westfield Memorial Hospital, after a decade-long battle with cancer. His loving family and wonderful friends were at his side.

Ken was born on July 30, 1937, in Brocton, son of the late Norton and Gladys (Stiles) Blodgett. He was a lifelong resident of the area. A close friend of Ken's recently commented, ''Ken only talked about three things: his family, his work and sports.''

In the fall of 1956, Ken married the love of his life, Joyce Craig. Ken is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter and son-in-law, Melony and Al Feser of Dunkirk. Al was not only Ken's son-in-law, but also his dear friend. Also surviving are Ken's daughter-in-law, Tammy (Lucas) Blodgett of Clermont, Fla.; and his grandchildren, Kevin and Melissa (Feser) Krul of Amherst, Alison Feser of Chicago, Kayleah Feser of Dunkirk and Craig Blodgett and Makenzie Blodgett of Clermont, Fla.

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth C. Blodgett Jr., in 2007. He is also survived by his loving Shih Tzu, Toby.

Anyone who knew Ken, knew of the pride and love he had for his family. Joyce and his children meant the world to him. Ken shared a special bond with his brother-in-law, Jim Craig of Brocton. Jimmy's wife Barb and their children and grandchildren held a special place in his heart.

Ken is also survived by his sister, Katherine (Blodgett) Fredrickson of Cassadaga; and his cousin, Maxine (Gerald) Perry of Dewittville; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Ken's son and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wallace Blodgett.

Ken graduated from Brocton Central School in 1955. Shortly after, Ken was proud to serve his country as a member of the United States Naval Reserves. He went on to learn the upholstery trade and opened his own business in the early 1960s in Westfield. Known throughout Western New York for his craftsmanship, Westfield Upholstering was equally known as a place for customers, characters and friends to gather for a cup of coffee and conversation. After a daily breakfast at the Westfield Diner, he entertained visitors throughout the day and often joked that he could hardly get any work done with his friends around, quickly adding that he would never want it any other way. Committed to all of the projects he had taken on (the last being a gift for one of his granddaughters), he worked until just a week before his death. For the past several years, Ken also worked as a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker in Fredonia. As for his third passion, Ken was an avid sports enthusiast. In his younger years, he enjoyed stock car racing and bowling. Later on, Ken, a scratch golfer, had a golf club in his hand every chance he had. He served on the Board of Directors at the Chautauqua Golf Club of Chautauqua Institution. However, when it comes to sports, Ken is perhaps most well known for his work as a football and basketball official, which spanned over five decades. Ken was a member of the Southwestern Chapter of the NY State Association of Certified Football Officials, having served as an officer and on the Board of Directors. He was also the secretary-treasurer of the International Association of Basketball Officials, Board 39, and a member of the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association, officiating within the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Active in his community, Ken was a member of the Northern Chautauqua County Conservation Club, The Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #118 of Westfield. He was an exempt member of the Brocton Volunteer Fire Department and served as a trustee for the Village of Brocton. It was through all of these activities and organizations that Ken developed strong bonds of friendship that lasted throughout his lifetime. The greatest testimony of how Ken lived his life will be evident in the way he will be missed.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday at 12 p.m. in the Gifts Parlor of the United Methodist Church of Westfield. Immediately following, at 1 p.m., a memorial service will be held to celebrate Ken's life. In lieu of flowers, his family has suggested that memorials may be made to the Ken Blodgett Scholarship Fund, Northern Chautauqua County Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive, Dunkirk, NY, or the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, East Main Street, Westfield, NY.