Valley Volunteer Ken Worthen Dies

Kenneth Worthen, a San Fernando Valley resident who was involved with local chambers of commerce and charities, passed away Sunday. Worthen served as chairman of the board at the Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber, in 1985-86. He was a recipient of the Fernando Award in 1992 for his volunteer work in the Valley, which included raising more than $700,000 for a variety of charitable causes. Worthen, a retired gas company executive, was involved with starting New Directions for Youth as well as contributing to such organizations as Valley Economic Development Center, Mid-Valley YMCA, El Proyecto del Barrio and the Southern California Swimming Association. Worthen’s funeral is at 3 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. A reception will follow in the student union at Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave. in Valley Glen.