Kenneth Gerard Hoyle

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."
— The Tempest, Act 4, Scene 1 

A Life Lived to the Fullest

Kenneth Hoyle, affectionately known to many as Kenny, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. His three children, Ashley, Andrew, and Austin, were able to come together during his final days, offering him comfort and love, making their time together all the more special. He spent his last few days surrounded by the peace, serenity, and caring staff of Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL and the presence of his brother, John, and his family. This was the perfect place for Ken, and his family, as it was surrounded by tall trees, calming water, a wooded walking trail, and even a small regional airport nearby. All beautiful little reminders of the different aspects of life that Ken enjoyed so much. Ken’s life was filled with incredible highs, and unfortunately, after successfully beating cancer once in his fifties, the disease returned by May 2023. He put up a valiant fight for over a year, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience to get as much out of life as he could with the time he had left. Ken passed at 57 years old.

Though we grieve his loss, we honor the immense courage he displayed, fighting to keep his spirits high throughout his cancer fight and recovery. Probably not the safest idea, but Ken took his own boat out just two months before his passing. He was just the right amounts of stubborn and dedicated to getting his boat out on the water again. We can laugh now because he made it home safe that day, but I just know the pride that swelled in his heart when it was just him and his boat out on the water that day. Another highlight of his summer was spending time with his two visiting brothers at his home in Mokena. In his journal, Ken once reflected that the greatest gifts he received in life were not material things, but the meaningful experiences he shared—especially the experience of children.

Ken also loved his work, and all the people that came with it, passionately. He was a skilled carpenter turned superintendent and worked with concrete most of his career. He was a concrete encyclopedia, and always boasted the most about keeping his crews safe on the job. People always mattered the most to him at the end of the day. Probably some of his closest friends today can say they’ve had to see the blunt side of Ken Hoyle at work, but he was passionate about getting his work done: accurately, safely, and the right way. Today there are buildings, stadiums, parks, roads, and various structures that have been built through Ken’s hardworking and ethical guidance that serve various cities and communities. These tangible places, supporting daily life for many, can be visited and serve tribute to his lasting legacy and service to the construction world.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Ashley; his two sons, Andrew and Austin; his mother, Victoria; his two brothers, John and Richard, and their loving families; along with his beloved cousins and extended relatives. His older brother, Johnny, living in Michigan, traveled much of the past year to be by Kenny's side, offering constant support and companionship. Johnny was also in Illinois at the time of Ken's passing as additional immense help and support during this hardship. Ken’s special kitty and loyal companion, has found a new home with his son, Andrew, where she will continue to be raised as part of the Hoyle family. Having family come together in a time of need is one of the greatest experiences through this hard time and continues to be a comfort for everyone.

Ken’s children would like to thank everyone for their love and support the past few weeks during the time of their father’s loss. They would also especially like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his abundance of beautiful friends, both near and far, from Frankfort, IL, all the way to Norway, for being a source of encouragement and support in his heart for so many years. Whether it was a family member or work companion, Ken cherished those around him and shared the experiences of life with them. He continued to make friends up until the end, as he cherished the kind and loving staff at his cancer treatment facility through Silver Cross in Orland Park. They truly treated him extra special and his family is incredibly grateful for their knowledge, medicine, hearts, and support.

If you were lucky enough to experience one of his famously long and captivating conversations about one of his passions, then you knew this man was a thinker, a doer, and a dreamer. He could talk for hours, literally, with enthusiasm about motocross racing, pouring concrete, or the stock market. He had eclectically smart hobbies and could be found tinkering around various engines in his garage, video games in his office, or video chips for his brief interest in crypto-mining.  He was sometimes too quick to keep up with, as it is sometimes hard not to wonder how a person can learn so many things so deeply. Kenny’s life was a testament to creativity, adventure, and curiosity.

He was kind to animals and children, he himself having a child-like heart full of wonder and imagination. He loved life deeply, and though unafraid of death, he was sorry his time was cut short. His larger-than-life presence, conversations about his passions, and excitement over his newest gadget will be fondly missed. His spirit, however, will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him whenever they find the perfect campsite, see wildflowers in bloom, enjoy a boat ride, take out the measuring tape, look over blueprints, catch the smell of gas and grease in the garage, enjoy dinner at one of his favorite sushi spots, or grabbing some Joey’s gelato.

This poem beautifully encapsulates Kenny’s childlike wonder for life and nature. He found joy in the simple, natural world, just as a child does—full of awe and excitement. Whether building, creating, or exploring, Kenny embraced life with the same sense of wonder, finding beauty in the smallest things. For him, life was an ongoing adventure, and his spirit of curiosity, much like the rainbow in Wordsworth's poem, his presence will continue to shine even after he is gone.

"My Heart Leaps Up" By William Wordsworth
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

Memorial Info

In honor of Kenny’s life, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation, to celebrate his love for the outdoors, or to Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet, for the compassionate care provided in his final days.

Due to the nature of his family and children being out of state, there will not be any immediate services for Ken. In lieu, please leave your well wishes, memories, photos, and any other fun memories you'd like to share here on this page. This memorial page will stay up permanently, where you can visit and cherish him at anytime.

His children and family will be having a private memorial family service for Ken in the upcoming months. During this time, we  plan to spend time healing, swapping stories, and celebrating Ken's vibrant impact on life by spreading his ashes somewhere thoughtfully; perhaps one of the many wonderful places he was hoping and had planned to spend his retirement.

Gallery

Memory wall

Donate