It is with profound sadness that IBEW 1245 shares the passing of retired Assistant Business Manager Ralph Kenyon.
Brother Kenyon dedicated decades of his life to the Brotherhood. Initiated as a journeyman lineman in 1990, he went on to serve IBEW 1245 members as both a Business Representative and Assistant Business Manager before retiring in the spring of 2025. In his final assignment, he led the Local’s Outside Line Business Representatives, representing more than 4,000 members across California and Nevada.
Alejandro Chaparro (right) and Victor Verissimo with Ralph Kenyon supervising work on a transformer at the IBEW 1245 Apprentice Training School in Sacramento, Calif. on November, 16th, 2019
Ralph was a towering presence both in stature and character. He was known and loved for his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
“Ralph believed deeply in developing people,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “Whether he was mentoring new staff, supporting Business Representatives, or encouraging members to step into leadership roles, he poured his heart into helping others succeed. He touched the lives of so many people, and his influence will continue to be felt throughout IBEW 1245 for years to come.”
Local 1245 member Ralph Kenyon unloads boxes sent for the lineman training in Paramaribo, Suriname on Tuesday, October 27th, 2015.
After retiring, Ralph looked forward to spending more time with his family and celebrating his son Wes’s upcoming wedding. In the fall of 2025, we were made aware that Ralph was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The disease progressed rapidly, and he passed away on August 6 of 2026.
Ralph Kenyon helps Michael Andreotti connect service at the IBEW 1245 Apprentice Training School in Sacramento, Calif. on November, 16th, 2019
At the recent Third Quarter Advisory Council meeting, Assistant Business Manager Roberto Balistreri asked those in attendance to keep Ralph in their thoughts as he battled cancer. Reflecting on Ralph’s friendship, character, and the lasting impact he made on those around him, Balistreri said:
“I live in a world where what is most important to me is people being good to one another as well as trying to make a positive impact on this world daily. Ralph was the perfect example of that. He was an incredible human being. A man with a heart of gold and a fierce loyalty. He was and will always be a cherished friend to me and so I say, rest in peace my friend. I will miss you deeply, but you will always live in my heart.”
IBEW member Bob MacAllister talks with Richard Ingle and Ralph Kenyon during work on transmission lines at the Oroville Dam in Oroville, Calif. on March 7th, 2017.
Today, IBEW 1245 asks all members to keep Ralph’s family, friends, and loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.
On behalf of the officers, staff, and members of IBEW 1245, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Brother Kenyon.
Rest easy, Brother. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and the countless lives you changed.
Wes Kenyon with his father Ralph. The IBEW Eureka Pin Dinner in Eureka, Calif. on January 21, 2022.