In Memoriam: Ken Sommerville

Ken's tireless work was not for personal gain or glory. He served the God he loved.

Ken Sommerville

June 3, 1937 – July 26, 2024

An important member of the Tidings family has fallen asleep in the Lord. Bro. Ken Sommerville died on July 26, at the age of 87. Bro. Ken had a significant influence over the past decades on the Tidings, and was a mentor to many of us that are continuing the work.

Not many of the brothers and sisters at Wilbraham Bible School who saw young “Kenny” ride up on a Harley Davidson would have imagined that he would turn into such a productive and loving servant of our Lord Jesus. Born to Bro. John and Sis. Florence (Styles) Sommerville in Fairview, New Jersey in 1937, Ken moved to California in 1960, marrying Sis. Bonnie Young that same year. Together they raised Sis. Kellie Gelineau, Sis. Erin Bottomley, Bro. Joshua Sommerville and Sarah Prince. They have loved and enjoyed eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ken worked tirelessly with other brethren on the Pacific Coast Christadelphian Amended Reunion Committee to bring about reunion on the West Coast, uniting himself in fellowship with many that he considered lifelong friends. When the CBM in England wanted assistance with preaching in Latin America, Ken formed and chaired the CBMA for over 35 years.

Ken was one of the original seven brethren in the formation of what is now the Simi Hills Ecclesia, where he fellowshipped for over 45 years. When the Tidings Magazine formed a steering committee Ken was one of the first ones chosen and served the magazine for over 25 years. Ken also enjoyed teaching history at the Christadelphian Heritage Co-op school for 15 years.

Ken partnered with Bro. Bob Lloyd in 1964 to build their insurance agency into a large and successful business that has employed over two dozen brothers and sisters over the years. A big step up from the paper route that he began when he was 12 years old.

Ken was a conscientious objector during the Korean War, and served at the Byberry Mental Hospital, then known as the Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry. Ken commented for many years about the important life lessons he learned during his time at Byberry.

Before falling asleep, Ken wrote, “God blessed me with 85 years of good health. Then I turned 86. Thankfully, God blessed me with Bonnie. I am very thankful for our lives together and my wife’s loving care for me during these last years. She is truly wonderful.”

Ken’s tireless work was not for personal gain or glory. He served the God he loved. He might have been uncomfortable with his legacy being shared broadly. However, we feel that we can all learn from his service, and perhaps some will be encouraged in their own work in the Truth.

We look forward to seeing him again in our Lord’s Kingdom, where we are sure that Ken will be busy working on a project for his Lord.

Jeff Gelineau,
Simi Hills Ecclesia, CA