Kenneth R. Purdue II, age 66 known to family and friends as "Randy", passed peacefully with family by his side into Jesus' arms on May 3, 2013.
A loving husband and father was born in Long Beach, CA on May 22 1946 to kenneth R. Purdue I, and Frances A. Hilts. Randy attended Banning High School, and Los Angeles Harbor College majoring in Art. He began playing guitar at age 12 and performed in various groups from folk in the early 1960'd to rock and roll, always nurturing his development of his favorite, rhythm and blues.
He was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War era.
Raised in Southern California,. he lived briefly in Ojai during the 60's/ He moved to Washington State continuing in the music field and a career in wooden boatbuilding which he worked internationally. After 30 years in the Northwest, Randy and his wife, Barbara settled in Ojai.
Randy was a "people person" offering his life long passion of rhythm and blues musics to the Ojai community and was known for his tine and touch on lead guitar. Also a fine craftsman, he built and repaired musical instruments, as well as anything that involved fine woodworking. Another one of his life long passions was building and flying 1930s vintage model aircraft, and he competed in the international Society of Antique Modelers (SAM), and was a member of SAM Chapter 8.
Randy is survived by his wife Barbara Purdue in Ojai, CA; his son and daughter-in-law Ian and Sharon Purdue; and granddaughters Alison and Meredith Purdue of Parker, CO; Father Kenneth R. Purdue I in Bakersfield, CA; Sisters Mary Hilts in Port Townsend, WA and Kerrie Roberts in Bakersfield, CA; brothers Wayne Urton in LaConnor WA, and Tim Purdue in Los Angeles CA. Randy was preceded in death by his mother Frances A. Hilts and his brother William Urton.
Celebration of Randy's life will take place Saturday May 18th 2013 at 9:30am at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, 304 N. Foothill Road, Ojai California. Arrangements under the direction of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service Ventura California.