Kenneth A. Walwyn

Kenneth A. Walwyn, 83 of Albany, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Colonie.

Born in Belize City, Belize, Kenneth was the eldest son of Charles and Roslyn (Henry) Walwyn. He spent his first 14 years on a farm in northern Belize. His chores included milking a goat and tending to crops, including sugar cane, beans, and a vegetable garden.

Kenneth excelled academically in high school, usually coming in at the top of his class. One of his teachers was Denzel Jenkins, who later became his brother-in-law. Another teacher, Colville Young, who later became Governor General of Belize, was the master of ceremonies at his (and Sonia’s) wedding.

In Belize City, Kenneth worked as a civil servant. He excelled in his career, which prompted the Belize government to send him to London and the United States to further his education in economics. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics from Stanford University. He then furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in economics from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He was an economist for 34 years with the Public Service Commission of New York State and retired in May 2021.

A devout Seventh-day Adventist, at age 17 he served as youth leader in his local congregation in Belize City. During his late teens, he sang first tenor in a male quartet, performing at concerts and also once performing live on Radio Belize. He attended the Capital City Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albany, NY, where he served as a deacon. Kenneth’s past-times included reading, writing, and playing piano. He also was an aficionado of professional boxing and wrestling and enjoyed discussing politics with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Joyce (Jenkins) Walwyn in Albany; five children: Marilyn (Roosevelt) Council, in Bronx, NY; Kenneth Walwyn, Jr., in Troy, NY; Charlotte Walwyn, Melicia Walwyn, and Charles Walwyn, all in Albany, NY; two brothers: Merlin (Marie) Walwyn in Swedesboro, NJ and Charles Walwyn in Belize; three sisters: Pearl Flowers in Corona, CA; Flora Jones in Hamburg, NY; and Marcia Robertson in La Habra, CA; two grandchildren: Lamar and Cherie Council.

In-laws include Denzel Jenkins and Lloyd Jenkins in Los Angeles, CA; Douglas Jenkins in Savannah, GA; Glenford Jenkins and Demby Arnold in Bronx, NY; and Phillis Rollins in Atlanta, GA, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, December 28, at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY. Service will be at noon at the funeral home, and burial will follow at Memory Gardens.