Kenneth Kilby Nance

On Friday the first of December 2023 the man, the myth, the legend: Kenneth Kilby Nance accepted his new calling. He was surrounded by the people he loved most and those who loved him most- his family.

Ken’s earthly adventure began on December 13, 1952 at the Naval Hospital in Oakland California. He was the eldest son born to Rufus Fleet and Alice Lorraine Nance. He grew up in Hayward California. While attending Tennyson High, he discovered his love for playing football and softball. He graduated with the class of 1970 and went on to attend school at Chabot College earning an Associate Degree. Ken always had a love for Western movies and John Wayne, so it came as no surprise that he decided to follow in his cowboy hero’s footsteps and fight the outlaws in the East Bay Area. He graduated from the Police Academy and was hired by the Fremont Police Department in 1976. He dedicated the next 30 years of his life serving the community of Fremont. Officer “Kenny” Nance wore many hats during his time with the Police Department. He was one of the original four motorcycle officers for their program, a detective in the Auto Theft Investigation department, a traffic officer, a Field Training Officer, a driving instructor, and a range instructor. When not working at the PD, Ken was also an educator at Fremont Adult School, teaching Driver’s Education and Traffic Violator classes. While Ken learned and grew during these different positions, it could be argued that his favorite time at the PD was while he was working at Mission San Jose High School as a School Resource Officer. Ken led by example and through that example and his interactions, he was able to help, influence, and guide many of the students.

Ken was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held many callings within the church. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America program. He also volunteered his time to the church’s Girl’s Camp. He truly believed in the young people and always wanted them to do their best.

Being in the mountains camping and fishing were some of Ken’s favorite pastimes. He especially loved hunting in Idaho with “the boys”. He loved participating in softball tournaments with the PD. He was a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys (who won the last game he was able to watch) and the Cincinnati Reds (they did their best). He loved telling stories about his experiences during this life. He loved to laugh and was never one to shy away from being silly once in a while.

Ken married the love of his life Lisa Dawn Nance in 1982. Together they gave their four daughters the best life imaginable; raising them to be brave, strong, and stubborn (Ken and Lisa always led by example).

As Ken went on to his next grand adventure, he was greeted by his father, mother, and older sister Judy. He trusts that his wife Lisa, his daughters Christine (Scott White) Alluis, Heather (Matt) Clark, Stephanie (Chad) Davis, Jennifer Nance, his brothers John (Barbara) and Richard (Kerri) Nance, his 11 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends to continue our adventure without him for now. We love you, and through our examples we will continue your legacy. Until we meet again: Suuuuuuuuuuure love ya!