Obituary of Kenneth Robert Doler

Career Santa Cruz Police Officer Kenneth Robert Doler died on Saturday, September 15 at his home in Seabright with his wife of 23 years Lenore Doler and his dog "Kumah" at his side. He was 84 years old. Ken came to Santa Cruz to work as a police officer after attending San Jose State. He rose through the ranks of the department from patrolman to detective, then sergeant to night watch commander, and lieutenant. He retired after 24 years of service with the Santa Cruz Police Department. An excellent marksman, he also worked as a range master at the local firing rang. Ken died after a battle with metastatic skin cancer. He will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and colleageaues for his vivacity, kindness and athleticism. He attended San Jose State on a track scholarship and he was a gifted sprinter. In his 20's, he played semi-pro baseball. He loved physical activities and after his ball career; played tennis, cycled, hiked, swam, and even tried yoga. Ken was a foodie, who particularly enjoyed Italian and Mexican food, and was a voracious reader. He was a long time member of the Santa Cruz Historical Society and supporter of the SPCA. Ken loved people and had a wonderful sense of humor. Though his kidneys failed later in life, his spirits never did. Even while receiving dialysis treatment, patients and their loved ones would always gravitate towards him. He made them part of his extended family. Ken was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928. He was one of four children. He came out to California while serving in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife Lenore, children Kenneth Doler, Patricia Doler and Kathleen Doler, and his grandchildren Celeste Hadley and Morgen Doler. Ken also leaves his sister, Connie Claiborne, his brother, Tom Doler and numerous loving nephews, nieces and extended family. He is also survived by Lenore's stepson, Donald Coulter, his wife Patricia and their children Janelle and Kyle. His close friends, who became like family, include Brenda Uribe and Ricardo Olvera Arias. Ken's First wife, Diana Doler, died in 1983. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ken's name to the Santa Cruz SPCA at www.santacruzspca.org or Hospice of Santa Cruz County at www.hospicesantacruz.org If you wish to light a candle and share your thoughts and condolences with Ken's family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com