Kenneth Ontario Miles, a native of Washington D.C., age 49, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2020 in Ashton, Maryland. He was born on November 30, 1970 to Lessie Walker and William Miles. Kenneth graduated from Gonzaga High School in 1988 and attended the University of Virginia on a football scholarship where he helped the Cavaliers win a share of the ACC Championship in 1989. Kenneth earned a degree in Studio Art and a master's degree in Social Foundations of Education while at Virginia. Kenneth began his career and love for student athlete affairs at Virginia as an Academic and Life Skills Coordinator. He was hired by Syracuse University as an Associate Athletic Director, where he helped the football team achieve a 100% graduation rate in 2000 . Kenneth also earned another masters degree in education while at Syracuse. His role and accomplishments at Syracuse helped him ascend the ranks and landed him at Louisiana State University. Kenneth spent eleven years as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of the Cox Communications Center for Student Athletes. Late last year, Kenneth left LSU for the University of Michigan where he served as the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for their Academic Success Program. Kenneth is survived by his Mother, Lessie Walker, his daughter and Daddy's Princess, Alexandra Ontario Miles, his brother, Jeffrey Miles, sister, Tiffany Miles, his girlfriend, Michelle LeBlanc, stepchildren, Henry Flournory III, Dari, Danielle, and Darian LeBlanc, his ex-wife, Beth A. Miles, and a host of extended family and countless friends and acquaintances. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father, William Miles and his brother, William Miles, Jr.. Kenneth's mantra was "A Man for Others" and he exemplified that in everything he did. His legacy will be the hundreds of athletes and mentees he has helped throughout his exemplary career. His bright light, big laugh, and kindness will live on through his mother and baby girl, of whom being her Daddy was his favorite role. Due to Covid-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Please consider a donation in his name to a charity of your choice.
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I was shocked to hear about Kenneth's passing; so young. I know he was a Christian and to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We had met doing laundry at an apartment complex in the Onondaga Hill area of Syracuse NY back in 2000-2002 time period. We both loved to read books and had some deep conversations about life. He was an intelligent man with a gentle soul. My condolences to his Mother, Daughter, girlfriend, ex-wife and to all his family and friends. Jesus's peace be with you all. Susan B
Susan Brown
Friend
September 12, 2020
My dear friend. You were the absolute reflection of...it matters not how long your season lasts, but what you CHOOSE to do during your season, can transform the world. And I mean the world. You did that every day through every person you met. Your very presence--what you reflected, valued, and honored made us want to be better in all things. I will forever treasure our friendship, how you challenged me to always expect greater, and for being that caring person who spoke truth with grace. Rest well knowing that your tremendous legacy, inspiration, and selfless spirit lives on. I am grateful for the lessons learned and shared, and will always hear your voice saying "Samuels....". In our grief, may we find and hold onto those many many moments of light and joy you brought into our lives.
Michelle Samuels-Jones
Friend
August 28, 2020
To Kenneth: My Brother, My Friend and The Very Best Man who stood up ALWAYS next to his brother and my husband, Darius. This world lost a spark, a booming spirit and a guiding light when you departed on August 15th. There is a hole that can't be filled and probably for the better. It holds not just the sadness of your loss but it is also the holder of all the beautiful, funny, annoying, deep, satisfying and future plans that I never wish to lose. I'll keep that hole in my heart and cherish every feeling it provides, including the sincere grief of how much you will missed. Rest In Peace, Kenny Ken Ken Karen
Karen
Sister
August 27, 2020
Ken was almost bigger than life. I will miss that deep rich voice. He was both mentor and friend. Those were five good years working with him at Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes at LSU. Fare thee well Kenneth Miles and godspeed on your journey. Your life proved it is not how long you live, but for what you live, that counts.
Tim Landry
Coworker
August 25, 2020
Dr. Miles...
I AM...
Forever grateful for you...
You believed in me.
You inspired me.
You gave me significance when it felt like I had none.
You helped grow from a boy into a man during my days at LSU...
And, you continued to help me create a legacy for myself and my family 10 years after graduation!
I love and miss you Mr. Ken...
I'm sorry I didn't call sooner... I wanted to give you an update you'd be proud of this fall... I'll continue to love, encourage and empower student-athletes like you did for me.
With love & honor forever...
Orlando Gunn
Orlando Gunn
Student
August 23, 2020
Dr. Miles...
I AM...
Forever grateful for you...
You believed in me.
You inspired me.
You gave me significance when it felt like I had none.
You helped grow from a boy into a man during my days at LSU...
And, you continued to help me create a legacy for myself and my family 10 years after graduation!
I love and miss you Mr. Ken...
I'm sorry I didn't call sooner... I wanted to give you an update you'd be proud of this fall... I'll continue to love, encourage and empower student-athletes like you did for me.
With love & honor forever...
Orlando Gunn
Orlando Gunn
Student
August 23, 2020
The world is a little less bright with the loss of Kenneth - my sympathy and prayers are with the family
Sam Herpin
Acquaintance
August 21, 2020
Kenny was my big brother I never had and I can't put into words how much Kenny meant to me and my development as a young man. He always set the bar high, and always demanded the best for himself, college coaches, athletic departments, and student athletes. I always looked up to him and he will be missed dearly.
Roman Oben
Classmate
August 21, 2020
Kenneth, I’ll meet you one day for a Padron#9 and a glass of Hennessy’s. Will miss you brother. Rest Peacefully! Sincere condolences to Ken’s family. So sorry to hear. God Bless!
Kyle
Friend
August 21, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Miles family! May God Bless and comfort you during such time of sadness and pain! Continue to lean and depend upon Jesus!
Samuel & Sibyl Davis
Friend
August 21, 2020
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