Kenneth Charles Beardslee
Kenneth "Kenny" Beardslee, 67, of Lansing, New York, passed away unexpectedly at home from natural causes related to heart complications on June 20, 2026. Born on December 5, 1958, in Ithaca, New York, Kenny was raised in Newfield, where he spent much of his early life and built many lifelong friendships.
He lived a life full of laughter, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. An avid hunter, Kenny was happiest in the woods and found great joy in nature. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and was well known for sharing his homemade jam, maple syrup, and honey with those around him. He loved tending his garden and was always working on new projects around the house. A skilled carpenter with a remarkable talent for building and creating, he was someone people could count on when they needed a helping hand.
Above all, Kenny's greatest love was his family. He had a profound love for his children and treasured every moment spent with his granddaughters, who brought him endless joy. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time with his cherished companion, Chris Cook, sharing adventures that brought him great happiness. His family and close friends were at the center of his life, and he will be remembered for his loyalty, humor, and the way he always showed up for the people he loved.
He is survived by his children, Cassie Byrnes (Brendan), Steve Rankin, and Retta Beardslee; his beloved granddaughters, Arabella Byrnes and Adalyn Byrnes; his mother, Wanda Beardslee; his sisters, Lori Grimsey (Gordon) and Sandy Allen (Gary); his nephews, Michael Grimsey, William Grimsey, Jason Chaffee, Blake Allen, and Nick Allen; his brothers-in-law, Thomas Breen (Maria) and William Breen; his nephews and niece by marriage, David Breen, Andrew Breen, and Morgan Breen; his loving companion, Christine Cook; and many cherished cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his father, Melvin "Red" Beardslee, and his beloved wife, Deb Beardslee, with whom he shared 28 years of marriage. Though she passed before him, the love they shared and the family they built together remained among the greatest blessings of his life. Kenny's kindness, craftsmanship, love for the outdoors, and contagious laugh will be remembered by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
A private burial service will be held for the immediate family at a later date. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kenny's life from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Lansing Rod and Gun Club, 55 Salmon Creek Road, Lansing, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kenny's name to the Tri-County New York Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Cash or check donations may be mailed to NWTF Tri-County Chapter, 142 Benson Road, Freeville, NY 13068.