Kenneth Raymond Armfield passed away peacefully on February 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Ken was 87 years old. He was born in Chico, Ca on August 11, 1936 to parents, Bert and Evelyn (Rose) Armfield. He was a fifth generation Glenn-Colusa County resident. He grew up in Princeton, CA with his sister Carol McCann (Lauren). Ken excelled in multiple sports, including basketball, cross-country and with his highest accomplishment being in track and field. This is where he was honored to represent the small town of Princeton in the state meet, running the mile. After graduating in 1954, Ken entered the United States Air Force, where he became an Airman First Class specializing in radio electronics, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. This is where he developed his extreme dislike for cold weather and was happy to return to his California summers
After serving his country, Ken utilized the GI bill to first attend Chico State, where he met the love of his life, Dixie Mae Harvey. They soon married in June of 1960. Both then decided to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, to become school teachers. Ken’s first major was Engineering and soon developed his love for Industrial Arts, specializing in welding. Ken took these talents to Arbuckle Ca, where he began teaching welding and fabrication classes at Pierce High School (1964-1981). This is where he developed his passion for teaching students welding and fabrication with a stern, no-nonsense approach to real life skills and knowledge. While students felt this approach was extreme at the time, (yes, you probably know someone who sorted buckets of nuts and bolts) Ken was proud to hear from former students about how much they appreciated his mentoring and guidance throughout their high school years and even for some, their adult lives.
Ken eventually left Pierce High School and embarked on his new lifelong dream of being a self-employed business owner. Splitting his time between Hardy Harvester and Andreotti Brothers as a machinist and fabricator eventually led to moving his operation to Williams and then opening Ken Armfield Metalworks in 1993. Ken prided himself on being able to provide quality repairs and fabrication jobs to local farmers and businesses, many of whom were his former students. Ken was proud to know his family would be continuing to operate his business with the same attention to quality and detail.
Ken and Dixie made their home in Colusa County, residing in Williams, Ca. Here they raised two daughters, Delora Armfield (Stephens) and Jan Armfield. Ken was involved in the community as a reserve police officer, and also donated time and expertise to various community projects. As a young person, Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Magalia area with his father and grandfather. He also developed an interest in all things railroad and aviation and had a small collection of model trains. As an adult, Ken continued his love of running and established a route through Williams where many residents remarked at his dedication. He also lended his expertise in the construction of the Stephens-Armfield family cabin located at Lake Madrone, CA., where he enjoyed spending time with family celebrating holidays. When Ken wasn’t working (I know it did happen once in a while) he enjoyed spending time socializing at Granzella’s or Cairo’s with long time friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Evelyn Armfield (Rose) and wife Dixie Armfield (Harvey). He is survived by his sister Carol McCann (Lauren) , daughters Delora Stephens (Scott), Jan Armfield (Marques) and his 9 grandchildren. A Celebration Of Life is scheduled for April 7, 2024 at the Williams Community Center at 11:00 a.m.