From Jim's first wife, Rochele Gardner:

I am Rochele; Kenny was my brother-in-law for 18 years, becoming Uncle Kenny. I always wanted to keep this magnificent person in my life, and thanks to my girls (Jenny & Rebecca) I was able to keep up with the Leap/Aragon family through them, and yearly Christmas photos & cards.

Our family photo albums are a treasure to me with many, many pictures of Kenny involved in all family things, family holiday meals in Merced & Fresno, Kenny driving the tractor while Jim loaded the hay, playing stick & ring toss in the canal with nieces & half brother & sister at the Locan house, snow camping, sailing, etc., all with wonderful, happy stories behind them. One of my most outstanding memories of Ken is when Jim was reported missing during a winter camping trip. Ken was in town with us and asked how I was doing, I said that I had been worried, but that Jim had sent me a message letting us know he was OK. Ken first looked at me with a questioning expression and I watched his eyes & Face change to understanding & believe. Ken was always a kind, supportive person.

It has taken me awhile to write my comments, because with all my wonderful memories and knowing Kenny will always be in my heart & mind, it is still a sad & painful loss of this very special ‘Kenny’