Kenneth O. Shrewsbury Jr. '47

Deceased October 7, 2015

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In Memory

Kenneth Oldham Shrewsbury Jr. died at his home in Granite Bay, Calif., on Oct. 7, 2015. Born in New York City, the son of Kenneth Sr. ’14 and Anassa Sterrett Shrewsbury, he was predeceased by them and, in 1988, by his wife, Julianne Brodie. He is survived by his children, Anne Heintz; Kenneth and Douglas Shrewsbury; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his second wife, Jean.

At 19 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, graduating as a second lieutenant navigator and flying 35 bombing missions over Germany in a B17 with the Eighth Air Force, 100th bomb group. Upon returning home he entered Amherst class of 1947, married Julie and lived in G.I. village. He never talked about the war, just considered himself a lucky survivor.

After Amherst he had a 44-year career with the Ford Motor Co. in sales and marketing management in various locations in and out of Detroit. In 1979 he took early retirement in Sacramento to build and operate a Ford heavy-duty truck dealership.

Kent and Jean moved to a retirement community, Eskaton Lodge, in Granite Bay, where Kent indulged his family talent for “digging in the dirt,” and the residents enjoyed the flowers he grew.

John Shrewsbury ’50

50th Reunion 

I first saw the light of day in New York City in 1923, grandson of an Amherst Professor (1892-1901), son of an Amherst graduate (1914), and brother of an Amherst graduate (1950). It doesn't seem like 72 years have passed since then.

Kenneth O. Shrewsbury
After graduating from Storm King Prep School, I briefly attended the University of Cincinnati before enlisting in the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. I graduated as a navigator and flew 33 missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group. Upon discharge I enrolled at Amherst. I believe I was one of the First World War n veterans at Amherst.

While at Amherst I married Julianne Brodie. I believe we were the first post-war married couple at Amherst and the first to move into the GI Village. By taking summer classes at Amherst and Mass State I was able to graduate in September, 1947.

Then began a 32-year career with Ford Motor Company in various sales and marketing positions, in and out of Detroit, ending as Manager of Heavy Truck Field Operations. I took early retirement at age 56 to move to Sacramento, CA, to build and operate Sacramento Valley Ford Truck Sales, a Ford dealership specializing in heavy truck sales and service.

Kenneth O. Shrewsbury
After 44 years with Ford as an employee and then a dealer, I decided there must be more to life than Ford, so I sold the dealership and retired again, only to become involved in a Ford car museum. I started as a docent, joined the Board, and became Treasurer. I am now in my third year as President.

My first wife, Julie, who was with me at Amherst, died in 1988. We had three children and I now have five grandchildren. Life continues to be good for my current wife, Jean, and me. We live happily and comfortably in retirement.