Kenneth Austin Lydy (Ken) passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 17, 2022, surrounded by family. Ken was born June 27, 1942, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Lester (Nig) Lydy and Thyra (Gowey) Lydy. He met his one true love, Patricia M. Nance (Patti) while still in high school, and they were married on September 23, 1961, in Brightwood, Oregon. In the early years of their marriage, Ken was an auto technician, working first for Keith Roberts Ford in Cottage Grove, Oregon then for Robberson Ford in Bend, Oregon. He always held a great respect for the owners of Robberson Ford for being kind and giving him opportunities to grow in his career. He and Patti owned 4-L Auto in Bend for several years, before his career led him to the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Tribal Garage. Later, he became the Fleet Manager for Fire Management, and so began his love of the Fire Service. He belonged to the Federal Equipment Working Team and was a member of the Type 1 and Type 11 Incident Management Teams, traveling throughout the West managing forest fires. Ken had the heart of a teacher and taught 4-H, Sunday School, Adult Education classes through COCC and numerous Federal Wild Land Fire classes. Starting in 1992, he was a National Safety Defensive Driving Instructor, instructing Defensive Driving classes across the nation. In more recent years, Ken was the Safety Officer for the Jefferson County Fire District #1 and was voted Fireman of the Year in 2015. Ken was extremely honored to be chosen for this award and held a deep love and respect for his brothers and sisters in the fire service. Ken loved being outdoors and could be found gardening, woodworking or doing other projects most of the time. He also loved reading and doing crafts with Patti. Together they created handcrafted treasures that they gifted to many families and friends throughout the years. He and Patti also spent several years helping raise grandson, Robert (Robby) Riker, who learned so much from his grandpa about fixing things, building things, and being a kind, generous, patient and strong man. Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patti Lydy of Madras; daughters, Kim (Wes) Martinez of Mountlake Terrace, WA; daughter, Kris (Travis) Lydy-Charlton of Rapid City, SD; Brother John (Daisy) Lydy of Bend, grandchildren Robert Riker, Caitlyn (Aaron) Gering, Andrew, Erin and Ashley Martinez, great granddaughter Charlotte Gering, and very special Sister-in-Law Terri Blair, of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his father and mother. Memorial services may be held at a later date.