Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Sorenson, Darrell Kent August 4 2004 ********************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm ********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: k taylor bluewolf@onemain.com August 6, 2004, 1:12 pm The Bakersfield Californian Darrell Kent Sorenson Services: Sat., Aug. 7, 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 7, at 11:00 a.m., at The Lutheran Church of Prayer, 8001 Panorama Dr., for Darrell Kent Sorenson, 65, who went to be with the Lord August 4, 2004. Darrell was born June 4, 1939 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. While Darrell was growing up in Grand Forks, he enjoyed his summers working on his Uncle Chesters farm and competing in baseball, ice hockey and football. In 1960, Darrell graduated from The University of North Dakota with a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering. Soon thereafter, he entered the U.S. Army Reserve. He began his 37 year career in the Water Industry in 1960 with Soil Conservation Services where he worked on irrigation conservation projects. In 1963, Darrell continued his career and moved to Kern County where he worked in the Wasco/Buttonwillow area and ultimately accepted a position with the Kern County Water Agency as a Civil Engineer. Between 1978 and 1990, Darrell worked his way up the engineering ladder by demonstrating his ability to take responsibility for implementation of flood control projects and flood plain studies throughout Kern County, including formation of the Improvement District No. 3 (Kelso creek) Advisory Committee and directing feasibility studies for many alternatives for a potential Caliente Creek flood control project. In addition, Darrell was instrumental in completing the Kern County Flood Plain Zoning Ordinance, Kern County Well Ordinance, and the Corcoran Clay Study. In 1990, the Water Agency recognized Darrell for his leadership and contribution to the goals of the Water Agency and the water community by promoting him to Special Projects and Data Manager, where he supervised the flood control, surface water and groundwater data collection and data archiving programs; managed the Kelso creek project; assisted in the establishment of the Indian Wells Valley warning ALERT rainfall and stream flow monitoring program to help predict flood flows on Kelso and Caliente creeks. In 1997, Darrell retired from the Kern County Water Agency. Darrell enjoyed a variety of hobbies including, woodworking, golfing, garden railroading, oil painting and traveling. Throughout his life he was a member of various organizations such as the Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Kern County Engineering Club which he served as president of both organizations. He was also a member of Kiwanis and the Bakersfield County Club. He most recently became a member of The Lutheran Church of Prayer. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; and their children, Paul Sorenson, Steve and Cindy McClenny, Chris and Karen McClenny, Mary and Mike Eggert, Carrie and Troy James; twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth, Margaret, John, Anna and Ruth Sorenson, AnneMarie and Allysen Eggert, Leah and Danny McClenny, Zachary and Katelynne James and Meghan McClenny; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Andy Anderson; and nieces, Becky Rupert and Karla Anderson and great- niece, Abbagail Rupert; and numerous other relatives and close friends. Darrell was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was an exceptionally caring and kind man. His thoughtfulness and giving nature touched all. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to The Lutheran Church of Prayer, 8001 Panorama Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93306. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/gob1077sorenson.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/ File size: 4.1 Kb