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Alex Cabrero reporting Many of you heard how he died, now we'd like you to get to know how he lived. Ken Duckworth was killed yesterday when he hit a deer while riding on his motorcycle.
There's little doubt Ken was probably planning a Boy Scout camping trip for this weekend. Instead, his family is planning his funeral.
His father, John Duckworth, told us, "We know he's in a better place right now. It doesn't make it any easier. We'd rather have him at this place, but..."
John still can't believe his son is gone. He said, "Just since this has happened, we've had people who we never met, or know have overheard a conversation, or know we're Ken's parents and will come up and talk to us."
Monday morning, Ken was riding his motorcycle home from his job as a dispatch supervisor with the University of Utah Police Department. Investigators say he was wearing his helmet and wasn't speeding, but that wasn't enough to keep him safe when a deer jumped in front of him on 1300 East and 1400 South in Salt Lake City.
Just like that, his wife, Dawn, was without a husband, and his six children were without a dad.
David Muncey, who lives a few houses down from the Duckworths, said it left the neighborhood without its soul. "He knew everybody and was friends with everybody, and he would do anything for you. He helped us lay sod throughout all these houses around here, put in sprinkler systems and all kinds of stuff," Muncey said.
John Duckworth said it seemed like everyone in their West Jordan neighborhood stopped by. What really touched the family is when some of his children's friends stopped by the park across the street and prayed. "I mean, there were no adults out there. It was just teenager and teenager," he said.
Muncey said, "He'll be missed by his family, his friends and this community. He really did a lot within the community."
Ken Duckworth was only 37 years old. His funeral is planned for this Saturday. To help with care and expenses for all his children, the family has set up a fund in his name at any University of Utah Credit Union.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
