SAYING GOODBYE TO A DEAR FRIEND OF JOSHUA

A GIFTED MUSICIAN

Picture a secluded lake nestled deep in the woods in way upstate New York. This area is truly God’s country, and the name of the lake is Pyramid Lake, where the Diocese of Albany has a wonderful Pyramid Life retreat center. It was the site of many annual Joshua retreats led by Fr. Joe and Sr. Dort over the years. Their retreats drew capacity crowds nearly every year.

Another treasured part of those annual retreats was Michigan’s own Ken Klavinski. Kenny was a lovable and simple guy who loved his God, loved his music, and loved his Joshua Family….and we loved him. Kenny passed away on August 10, 2021, just after his 66th birthday. He was loved by all who knew him, and he was such a wonderful ambassador for the Joshua story….even naming his son Joshua.

Forever etched in our minds is the vision of the daily call to prayer during our Joshua retreats. Fifteen minutes before that day’s session was scheduled to begin, Kenny, standing up in a fishing boat, would begin playing Joshua’s Song on his trumpet as he was rowed slowly towards the chapel building. You could hear it echoing across the lake and off the cabins and lodge. Most of the time, he would hit the final note of Joshua’s Song as the boat touched shore.

He was a gifted musician who played many instruments and had an uncanny ear for music….he knew how to make others feel valued and loved. Kenny was forever grateful for all the years of music ministry with Sr. Dort, and also grateful for the connection to Fr. Joe and our Joshua Family. After the annual retreats ceased, Kenny was always eager to get back to the Albany area where he helped support the music ministry for the fall and spring retreats. Many of you who already knew him can understand the void we will all feel as we carry on God’s work without him here. But most of us are pretty sure that he, Fr. Joe and Jesus are up there watching over us, and even telling a few corny jokes. Godspeed Kenny, may you rest in peace.

Written by Lowell Rinker