Kenneth Paul Lucien, Jr

Kenneth Paul Lucien, Jr., 64, died December 6, 2006 of a heart attack on his daily walk near his home in Albuquerque , New Mexico . He was born January 31, 1942 in Milwaukee , Wisconsin . He lived his early years in Wisconsin and Ohio before moving to Billings in 1947. He attended Fratt Memorial Grade School , Billings Central High School and graduated from St.Thomas Military Academy , St Paul , Minnesota in 1960. He attended University of Colorado and served nine years in the U.S. Navy on two submarines and a destroyer. He was "Qualified in Submarines" and a certified nuclear plant operator.

Professionally, he worked over 20 years in several commercial nuclear power plants across the country as a plant start-up and instrumentation specialist. He was one of ten specialists nationwide asked by the US government to investigate the Three Mile Island incident. He retired from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2003 after eleven years in management of chemical research and development.

He was a musician (bass guitar, harmonica, and vocalist), airplane pilot, scuba diver, drag racer and worked extensively on specialty cars, motorcycles and high performance engines.

His integrity, work ethic and his love for his family, friends and his country was cherished by all who knew him. He had a close network of friendships that spanned from his childhood all throughout his life.

He is survived by his parents, Kenneth Lucien Sr. and Mary Jeanne of Billings; his sister Angela Lucien of Salem, Massachusetts; his sister Jane Lucien-Scholle of London, England (Robert Scholle); nieces Katherine and Juliana, and nephew, Robert Scholle, Jr.; uncle, Charles Lutgen (Jackie) of Colorado, Springs, aunt, Angela Rector, and several cousins including his cousin, Mary Jeanne Rector-Haumesser of Billings.

Should friends wish, memorials may be made to Billings Area Catholic Education Trust (BACET), St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral Parish Center or the charity of one's choice.