Thomas Kenneth (Ken) McBride

Ken passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at age 93, surrounded by his children. He was born in Sacramento, California on September 14, 1930, to Thomas Kenneth McBride and Ruth Eleanor (Davidson) McBride. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Joan, and his parents. Ken is survived by his sister, Nancy Hansen, and his children, David T. McBride (Sara), Diane "Deedee" Harris (Scott), and Debbie Chestor (Bob); six grandchildren: Sean McBride, Robert Chestor (Deanna), Lauren McBride, Shane Harris (Kelliney), Cole Harris (Melissa) and Connor Chestor (Felisha); and three great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Payton, and Carson Harris.

Ken grew up in Julian, Bakersfield, and the family ranch in Antelope, California. He graduated from San Juan High School in 1948, Placer Jr. College in 1950, and the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) School in Pensacola, Florida in 1953. He met Joan in 1948 while in Junior College. They were engaged in August 1952 and married December 23, 1952 in Grass Valley, California. 

Ken was enamored with airplanes at a young age, leading to his lifetime love affair with aviation. As a Naval Officer, Ken traveled the world with his family, spending time in Kingsville, Texas; Corpus Christi, Texas, Quonset Point, Rhode Island; San Luis Obispo, California (where he earned his Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Degree); Pensacola, Florida; Naples, Italy; Monterey, California, Mayport Beach, Florida; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he retired in 1973. In Albuquerque, Ken became a corporate pilot, charter pilot, an air ambulance pilot flying NICU babies, and a flight instructor. Ken was a long-time member of the Lobo Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, and at the time of his death was its most senior member.

Ken will be fondly remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He had a dry wit, a sneaky sense of humor, and threw great parties with Joanie. His friendships lasted a lifetime. He will be missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, with a Reception Service to follow at:

Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010

Inurnment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Commemorative Air Force Lobo Wing (https://www.lobowing.org) or the Covenant House (https://www.covenanthouse.org).