Kenneth Governor

Kenneth F. Governor, 73, passed away peacefully after a 10 year-long battle against cancer, on Wednesday, December 23, 2015, with his wife and family members by his side. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (nee Gingeresky), his children, Geoffrey and his wife Anne and Gregory and Nancy Governor, his granddaughters Alexa, Hannah, and Madison Governor, and many nieces and nephews. He is the step-father of Laura and Christopher Kanaar. He was born in Boston on November 15, 1941 to Joseph and Margaret Governor, who were both active during WWII, his father serving in the US Army Field Artillery, and his mother working in the Hingham MA shipyard as "Rosie the Riveter". Ken arrived in New York as a civilian to manage a division of the Dun & Bradstreet Company in Rochester. He was again called to Active Duty and served at various duty stations, locations and in positions of higher responsibility culminating in his retirement after the first Gulf War. Later, Ken's leadership, administrative and logistical talents were recognized when he was recruited to help direct the growth of a rapidly expanding technology business in North Greenbush, New York. In 1995, having been "smitten" by Sandra, he courted her for several years. They were married in 2000, and have lived in North Greenbush until the present. Ken will be remembered by his close family and friends as a great charmer, dancer, singer, and lover of music, children, nature, animals, and the Red Sox. Ken was truly a man who "more than self, his country loved." He will be remembered by all as a man who was totally dedicated to "Service First" - his chosen motto as Commander of the New York State Department of the American Legion. He was active at the local, regional, state and national levels of the American Legion, and gave his heart, mind and energy to all. In addition to being Treasurer and Commander of his post, Ken has at various times held concurrent positions at the post, county and district such as Commander, Vice-Commander, Adjutant and chair of numerous important committees. He had been a member of the Department Legislative Committee and Chair of the Public Relations Committee. At the National level, he steered the National Insurance Committee as its Acting Chair, was Vice Chair of the Americanism Council, was selected as the 2011 National Legislative Council Member of the Year, is a graduate of the National American Legion College, an Honorary Life Member of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (US Unit), a member of the Citizens' Flag Alliance, Consultant to the National Veterans' Policy Oversight Committee and is Chair of the National Legislative Commission charged with the exclusive responsibility of representing The American Legion before Congress. Ken's last Active Duty tour spanned 18 years with a total of nearly 30 years Reserve, National Guard and Active military service as both an officer and NCO before he retired at the rank of Major. He will truly be missed by all. Calling hours will be held at the Lyons Funeral Home, on Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, New York, on Monday, December 28, 2015 from 3 to 6 P.M. followed by a military ceremony and Christian Prayer Service. Burial with military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date, yet to be determined. All of his friends and family are invited to a reception hosted by his American Legion Post 1489, Main Street, Wynantskill, New York, on Tuesday, December 29, at 1:00 P.M.