Napa native Kenneth Franklin Carden passed away at his home Feb. 4, 2008, following a lengthy battle with bladder cancer.

Born to Wallace and Hazel Beck Carden on Aug. 31, 1942, he attended local schools, graduating from Napa High School in 1960. It was while in school that he developed his interest in athletics. He was the Most Valuable Player in his senior year on the school’s baseball team, awarded in his capacity as a pitcher. He later volunteered for over 12 years as a coach in Napa’s Fly League.

Following high school, he worked briefly at Kaiser Steel before going to work for the Napa County Mosquito Abatement District in 1963. He retired from the district as manager in December of 1997. On May 5, 1962, he married the love of his life, the former Sandra Panfili. In keeping with his love of sports, and of hunting and fishing, his affiliations included the Napa High Booster Club and Ducks Unlimited. He was an avid golfer and made many friends among his fellow members of Napa Valley Country Club. For many years, he has been a member of Napa Parlor, No. 62, of the Native Sons of the Golden West.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his sons, Brian Carden of Manteca, and Bruce Carden of Fairfield; grandsons, Jared and Jake Carden of Manteca; brother, Bill Carden (Bernice), of Napa; aunt, Jimmie Nell Carden, of Napa; uncle, K.C. Beck of Westlake Village; sister-in-law, Judy (Tony) Santos of Dayton, Nev.; brother-in-law, Ed (Evelyn) Panfili of Port Orchard, Wash.; as well as numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to both Dr. J. Paul Dugan and his staff, as well as to the staff of Hospice of Napa Valley for their skilled and kind support during difficult times. Contributions to aid Hospice’s mission, in care of 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94559 have been encouraged by the family.