Firefighter Thomas Kenyon Strove To Be The Very Best

The chance to honor firefighter and paramedic Thomas John Kenyon is expected to draw firefighters from throughout Washington to a traditional fire-service memorial at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Christ Memorial Church, 18901 Eighth Ave., Poulsbo.

"He either worked with many of the people, or trained them," said his North Kitsap Fire & Rescue colleague Eric Keim.

Mr. Kenyon of Port Orchard died last Saturday (March 8) of a respiratory infection after a recurrence of the leukemia first detected in 1991. He was 32.

"He really loved a challenge," said his colleague Michele Laboda. "He kept his attitude so positive that he shielded us from the seriousness of his condition, so we were all shocked when he died. I believe he fought so hard because he wanted to provide for his family."

In addition to fighting fires and being active in the International Association of Firefighters, Mr. Kenyon taught emergency medical techniques, including CPR.

"He was a good firefighter but a great teacher," Keim said. "He shaped a lot of people and helped them on their career paths. He was like a big brother."

Born in Sioux Falls, S.D., Mr. Kenyon grew up in Pierce County and graduated from Franklin Pierce High School. At age 16 he served with Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue.

He entered the fire service as a resident volunteer with Pierce County Fire District 23 in Parkland, attended Tacoma's Bates Academy, and trained as a paramedic at Tacoma Community College.

After working as a medic in Pierce and Kittitas counties, he came to North Kitsap Fire & Rescue in 1990. He was president of the group's bargaining unit and a member of the executive board for Professional Firefighters of Kitsap County.

His love of mountain climbing, scuba diving and other sports found its way into his profession: He used his knowledge of sport rescue and medical procedures in training emergency medical technicians.

He brought a gritty, no-nonsense style to his classes, said Lakewood firefighter Jim Matthews: "Tom wouldn't accept anything less than excellence."

Mr. Kenyon's survivors include his wife of three years, Leanne Kenyon, and 11-month-old daughter, Amanda Kenyon, both of Port Orchard; his parents Larry and LaVerne Kenyon, Tacoma; brother Douglas Kenyon, Sacramento; and sisters Karen Hurley, Bonney Lake, Pierce County; and Cathy Gustafson, Huber Heights, Ohio.

Memorials to benefit his family may go to the Tom Kenyon Fund, c/o Kitsap County Firefighters, P.O. Box 3173, Silverdale, WA, 98383.