Bufford Kenneth Van Slyke, Kenny, to all who knew him, age 22, son of Cindy Fisher and Keith Van Slyke, died in Iraq late last Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2007, from a sniper’s bullet.

Kenny attended school in Oak Harbor at Clover Valley Elementary, North Whidbey Middle School and Oak Harbor High School until his junior year when his mother Cindy and stepfather Bill Fisher moved to Sacramento, Calif.

In 2004 the family then moved to Bay City, Mich., where Kenny met his wife Kortni Morse. The couple celebrated the birth of their son Kaiden Kenneth Van Slyke two months prior to his deployment to Iraq in mid December.

Many who knew Kenny will remember his infectious laughter, his willingness to help any one who asked. He was always bringing home strays, cats, dogs, and other kids.

Kenny is survived by his wife Korni, son Kaiden, mother Cindy Fisher, father Keith Van Slyke, step-father Bill Fisher, step- mother Trisha Van Slyke, and his brothers and sisters, Daniel Van Slyke, Nate Fisher, Taylor Van Slyke, Gini Fisher and Bobbi Fisher. Kenny has many aunts and uncles. He was always about family. We are so proud that we were able to share the miracle of Kenny with all of you. Thank you for each and every person who touched our Kenny’s life and helped to mold him into who he was to be, a true American hero.

Stapish Cederberg Funeral Home East, 955 Pine Rd, Essexville, Mich., will handle the funeral and Kenny will be laid to rest on Monday, March 12.

A college fund has been set up for Kenny’s son, Kaiden, if anyone wishes to send a donation: Kaiden Kenneth VanSlyke College Fund, Chemical Bank branch, 333 E Main St., Midland, Mich., 48640.