Kenneth Alan Pleines

Kenneth Alan Pleines, beloved brother, partner, and friend, passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Sacramento, California on November 20, 1953, Kenny grew up in nearby Carmichael, where he formed deep family bonds, developed a strong work ethic, and began the journey of a life characterized by quiet strength, sharp humor, and enduring kindness.

Kenny was the third of four children born to Frederick Pleines Sr. and Joyce Pleines (née Smith), both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving partner of six years, Carol Brown, and his siblings Frederick “Junior” Pleines Jr., Carolyn Danner, and Melinda Inlow.

From a young age, Kenny showed both mischief and heart—a kid who once tattled on his older brother for lighting a field on fire (after watching him do it) and who never minded being the smallest kid in a game of home run derby, happily retrieving the other kids' long shots without complaint. These early memories paint a portrait of a good-natured, generous soul with a subtle, boyish grin that would become his trademark.

Kenny was a proud graduate of Hiram Johnson High School, where he excelled on the golf team—a sport which he would go on to play throughout his life and excel at. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sacramento State University and attended Lincoln Law School for two years, passing the “Baby Bar” before deciding to follow a different path.

That path led him to the family business, Yellow Cab of Sacramento, where Kenny would dedicate nearly 50 years of hard work. A strategic thinker with remarkable communication skills, he oversaw routing operations for major clients like Alta Regional and Paratransit—juggling hundreds of shared rides with such efficiency that no computer program could outmatch him. He was instrumental in labor negotiations, safety incentive programs, and employee engagement efforts, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with his brother Junior and sisters Carolyn and Melinda for decades. Though he gave his best to the business, Kenny’s favorite career moment was retirement, which allowed him to fully enjoy life’s simpler pleasures.

Kenny was a man of many talents and interests. He was an excellent cook, known for his homemade pizza, carne asada, and a sauerkraut and sausage dish. He rarely used recipes—just a dash of instinct and a pinch of cayenne “to kick it up a notch.” He loved hiking, e-biking, golf, and long road trips, especially in his RV with Carol and their dogs. He also loved to sing and play guitar, something which he practiced most days. He doted on animals—particularly dachshunds Emma and Dede—and never passed up the chance to help a stray animal in need.

He had a passion for classic rock (The Beatles most of all), stand-up comedy, old movies, and conservative media. He enjoyed documentaries on WWII aircraft, old ships, and quirky restoration projects, and had a curious mind that never stopped exploring. His YouTube channel, California E-Bike Adventures, showcased bike trails across the state and racked up thousands of views from fellow enthusiasts.

Kenny met Carol Brown in April 2019, and from their first date at the Club Car in Auburn, they were inseparable. Though both were independent and set in their ways, they built a beautiful life together—full of laughter, adventure, and quiet evenings on their deck. Carol was the love of his life, and he never stopped telling her how beautiful she was or how lucky he felt to have found her.

Kenny didn’t have children of his own, but he made a lasting impact on his nieces and nephews. His niece Brandy recalls his endless jokes about her “valley girl voice”, his legendary fudge, and how he helped her choose her first car—a Hyundai Elantra that lasted more than a decade. His gentle humor, warm presence, and knack for making people feel seen and supported touched every life he encountered.

Kenny was a man of faith and integrity, attending Greenstone Community Church regularly. He believed deeply in Christian values and lived a life of quiet conviction—honest, respectful, and unwavering in his principles. His favorite scripture, Philippians 4:6-8, reflected his inner peace and trust in God.

He will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his unwavering calm, and the love he gave so generously. As a boy, he used to run around saying, “Is everybody happy?!”—a question that, even now, brings smiles to the many hearts he leaves behind.

Kenny's legacy lives on in the memories, laughter, and love he gave so freely. He was, simply put, the kind of person who made the world a better place.