Kenneth Christian Nilsen

Kenneth Christian Nilsen, 48, a long time Lexington group home resident, went to sleep and woke up completely healed in Heaven on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after a lifetime of many challenges. "Kenny", as he was known to many, was born on October 13, 1977 in Fayetteville, Arkansas a son of Richard and Lynda Canary Nilsen. He was born with multiple birth defects, including Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, double clubbed feet, and a diagnosis at age 3 of Autism. Ken had numerous surgeries over the course of his lifetime, but was a happy, healthy and active child. All throughout his life, Ken was part of many wonderful special needs classrooms with loving, dedicated staff. Despite his physical limitations, Ken eventually learned to walk and developed some speech to express himself. His quick responses to spoken words showed that he understood speech quite well, but his ability to speak was very limited. His older sisters, Christa and Cara, were devoted companions of their sweet little brother. When Christa began taking piano lessons, Ken amazingly began to sit beside her and play along. All his life, he was able to play skillfully for an audience and shine. Ken's musical ability and talent were tangible proof of the person trapped inside his ailing body and mind. Ken lived at home with his family until about age 20, at which time he became a Lexington Center resident. While in various group homes over the years, he made many friends and continued to enjoy piano and musical and many other activities. His last years were spent at the O'Neill Avenue residence in Johnstown, NY and he enjoyed a happy, safe and peaceful life in that warm, kind, little second family. Ken was always particularly excited to go on his weekly outings with Mom and sister Christa to Burger King for onion rings and diet coke and whatever game, book or activities had been brought for the day. He also played his car-sized keyboard and with his favorite Fisher Price marble game. It is a comfort to us that he was happy and smiling when Mom and Christa took him out on his last day - singing, playing music and actively participating in a spell and read words game. O’Neill staff reported an equally pleasant, normal evening before he fell asleep for his last night. Ken was pre-deceased by his paternal grandparents, Nils and Catherine Nilsen, and maternal grandparents, Ken and Phyllis Canary. He is survived by his parents, Richard Nilsen of Caroga Lake, NY and Lynda Canary Naske of Johnstown, NY, his sisters Christa Germain of Caroga Lake and Cara Nilsen-Ramirez of Long Beach, CA, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and his niece and nephew, Katey and Corey Germain. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 11am -1pm at the Robert M. Halgas Funeral Home, Inc., 111 County Highway 106 (Corner of Route 29 & Black Street), Johnstown. A funeral service will be held at 1pm at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams, officiating. Burial will be in Broadalbin-Mayfield Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Kenneth Christian Nilsen

October 13, 1977 - November 13, 2025

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Kenneth Christian Nilsen

October 13, 1977 - November 13, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support