Kenneth McGowan

Kenneth Ray McGowan (Kenny/Ken) passed away suddenly on August 18th, 2022. Ken was born July 5th, 1952 in Colorado. Shortly after he moved to Simi Valley with his mother and step-father Milan in 1963. With that, he has resided here in Simi Valley for the past 59 years. Ken attended school in Simi Valley and was part of the first graduating class from Royal High School in 1970. Shortly after graduation, Ken married the love of his life, Robin Loniero, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 6th, 2022. Together Robin and Ken had three lovely children and four beautiful grandchildren, son Kenneth McGowan II (granddaughters Aubrey and Ava Jo), and twin daughters Christy McGowan (granddaughter Mia Woods) and Cathy Evans (son-in-law Bill and grandson Billy).
As a longtime resident of Simi Valley, Ken was known as The Radiator Guy to all. Ken started working at a young age for Bill Nelson, the original owner and founder of Commercial Radiator. Bill handed over the shop to Ken in 2004 where Ken remained until his passing. Ken loved his work as he was so dedicated to the shop for over 55 years. Ken was very unassuming and helped everyone he came into contact with. As a young teenager Ken had a love for cars and loved working on them, and was institutionally one of the early individuals in creating lowered cars (lowriders) in the late 60’s and early 70’s here in Simi Valley. He also had a great love for late model cars and loved the 1950’s Chevy trucks. As his three kids came along, his concentration changed from the cars to being a dad. Ken supported his three children through their many school activities, extracurricular activities and sports. Ken and Robin loved traveling all over Southern California with their family and friends to the twins’ soccer tournaments. During this time, so many friendships and bonds were created and cherished until this day. Ken passed on his love of cars to his son Kenny as he was so involved in the early creation of a car club here in Simi Valley.
Being such a long term resident of Simi Valley, we can’t put a number on how many people Ken helped and touched over these past 55+ years. Ken not only helped people through Commercial Radiator, but also when they came to him with all kinds of favors, questions, and advice which he never refused. He was always there for anyone who needed anything.
Some of Ken’s most enjoyable moments were taking vacation cruises with Robin and taking short trips to the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, but Ken’s most enjoyable times were with Robin as they opened their home for family and friends many times a week up until his passing. He loved spending time in his backyard with family and friends, but especially with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Please remember Ken as a special person for the things he loved and represented.
Ken was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Joe Loniero, step-father Milan, mother Jean, and sister-in-law Toni Loniero. Ken is survived by his wife Robin McGowan, son Kenneth McGowan, twin daughters Christy McGowan and Cathy Evans, son-in-law Milk, grandchildren Billy Evans, Aubrey McGowan, Mia Woods and Ava Jo McGowan, mother and father-in-law Catherine and Anthony Loniero, step-mother Helen Clugston, brother and sister-in-law Rennie and Shari Loniero, brother and sister-in-law Jackie and Eileen Loniero, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Andrew Virzi, 12 nieces and nephews, and 19 great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for Ken will be held on August 31, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Reardon Simi Valley Funeral Home with a burial to follow at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Simi Valley, California.