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The family of Kenneth Kurtz uploaded a photo
Friday, June 1, 2018
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ooIiBUdzY posted a condolence
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Supreoir thinking demonstrated above. Thanks!
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A .D. Rutledge posted a condolence
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what."
From "To Kill a Mockingbird", Atticus Finch says this to his son, Jem.
I did not have the opportunity to know Ken for a long time. But I felt his determination to stay here for as long as he could, for his family, his children. He was one of the bravest people I've ever known.
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Jason Imig posted a condolence
Friday, February 26, 2010
I will always cherish the memories I have of hiking, biking, & just hanging out with my uncle. I know we did not get to spend a lot of time together through the years, but I am so thankful for those moments and they will stay within my heart. My prayers and deepest sympaty go out to all family and friends who have lost an incredible person. Love, Jason
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Carolyn Millhorn posted a condolence
Friday, February 19, 2010
Although I only saw you for a short time, when you were born and when you were a small boy in Napa, I have grown to know you through your mother. Lorna's loving words and description of your love of life, family and friends made it easy for me to love you too. We do not have to see each other on this earth constantly to realize that we know of a special person and we love them. You have been that special person. You were a delight to your mother and father.
K
Kathy Imig posted a condolence
Thursday, February 18, 2010
You were the best litle brother a sister could have. I admired your integrity, hard work ethics and your love of family. I'm so glad we became such good friends in our adult lives. And my children loved you so much also. You were a great uncle. You are truly missed each day and will never be forgotten. Prayers and love to all of his family in Washington and California. Love, Kathy
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Heather Lenox posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
You've all been in my heart, from near and afar, throughout all this. You are one of the most loving and complete families I've ever met - I wish with all my heart that you'd had a different journey these last few years. Ken was truly wonderful.
Love and Blessings,
Heather
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Dan Ballard posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dear Leeann, Ross, Kayta, and the rest of Ken's family and friends,
I'm so very sorry to hear that Ken has passed away. I'd been thinking of him often in recent months, and had been sending 'positive vibes,' in his direction, hoping that he'd find some way to beat his illness. I'm one of the people that he knew from his college days at U. C. Santa Barbara, back in the late-70's/early-80's. I think you only met me once, that being the time around 2002, when Drew and I came down to your place in Olympia. We hung out briefly, checked out your animals for awhile, and then Ken joined us for a day-trip down to Vancouver, WA, to see the U.S. National Cross-Country Championships... we had a great time!
I first met Ken at UCSB, because he was about to leave the apt. that he and Drew (my high school friend from Wash.) shared with 3 or 4 other guys. I was to be the 'replacement' roommate for Ken, and because there was a bit of overlap in our leases, we became roomies for a couple of weeks, until he eventually moved to his new apt., not too far away.
The thing that stands out for me, in knowing Ken during his youth, was what a rambunctious and exuberant dude he was! I think he said that he was a former high school wrestler, and as such he was definitely quite a bit stronger than all of us skinny little distance runners, who occupied the rest of the apt. He had this habit of 'jumping' us when we let our guard down, and then he would tie us up in knots and pin us to the floor, until we cried "Uncle!" (or "Let me go, I give up!")
As a result of this, he ended up getting the nickname "Kato." That name came from the character in the Peter Sellers movie, "The Pink Panther." Inspector Clouseau (Sellers) had an Asian assistant who was a martial arts expert, named Kato. Kato's job was to help Inspector Clouseau develop his self-defense skills by attacking him out-of-the-blue, without warning and for no reason whatsoever. That's basically what Ken did to us on a regular basis (with lots of love in his heart, of course!), and thus he became our "Kato."
In addition to enjoying the experience of getting "Kato'ed" (at least I *think* I liked it), another thing that really made Ken endearing was how excited and enthusiastic he could be. I'll always have the mental image of him laughing, so hard that his cheeks would become bright red... talk about having a lust for life!
After UCSB, I didn't see Ken for many years, it wasn't until after he had moved up to the State of Washington. He had by then given up his "Kato'ing" tendencies (not that we necessarily wanted him to!), and had become a very admirable member of his local community, and a 'Green' steward of the planet. I'm told the he maintained that philosophy and lifestyle to the very end. He was an exceptional person, and he will always be sorely missed.
-- Dan Ballard - Seattle, WA (dbvc@mindspring.com)
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Wally posted a condolence
Sunday, January 24, 2010
What an amazing human being. Ken touched so many lives in such positive ways. Ken's energy, enthusiasm and ability to connect on a human level could be so strong it felt like you had known him your whole life. His legacy lives on in the many positive connections he was a part of on this earth and will always continue to be.
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Chris Cole posted a condolence
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ken really got it, in every way. Living life in all dimensions, and with a sense of humor, too. Isn't that what we all loved about him?
We will all continue to miss Ken. But I know he left the world a better place. Much was accomplished and many deep connections were made. His work was local and personal, but the concepts were global and important. He brought unrivalled sense to us and he knew how to do the right thing. Amen.
The best we can do now is to carry on by doing the things that will make Ken smile.
M
Marijke posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I love you guys. Ken was a totally bright light in my life. You all are in my heart. M
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Ross & Penny posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
We will always remember Ken a dear friend and one of the nicest persons we've ever known. He was always honest, fun, funny, and full of ideas, plans and life. We will sorely miss his regular phone calls laced with great conversation about spirituality, family and adventures. It hurts deeply to lose him, he will not be forgotten.
Our sincerest condolences to Leeann, Ross, Kayta, Lorna and other members of Ken's family. We hope that time and wonderful memories will help ease the transition to life without our good friend Ken.
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Steve posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Hi All,
What a great picture and write up. My thoughts are with yall. Dude had a full life even as short as it was. Mine was fuller for having him here. Love, Steve
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Pam Corwin posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I met Ken in a Spiritual book group and loved him from the minute I met him. His wisdom, spirit and humor kept our group hopping, and I remember as the group dwindled and there were no other men it, Leeann told me that when he was leaving for one of our meetings he'd say "See you later, I'm going to my women's group." That was pure Ken.
Even throughout his illness we'd have long phone calls, philosophical, meaningful conversations peppered with a lot of laughs and I always hung up feeling like I learned something. He was a great teacher, an inspiration, as is Leeann. I am so grateful to know you, Leeann and to have learned from your grace through this journey. You have been a gift to me in so many ways and I am so thankful to count you as a friend.
On night of Ken's wake I reminded him of a promise we jokingly made in that book group, that the first one to go would send a sign if there really was an afterlife. I whispered "If anyone can do it, you can. I'm waiting!" And the next morning there was Ken's picture - popped up on my Facebook page greeting me with the message "Ken Kurtz. Reconnect with him, send him a message". I had to smile.
Whether that was your message or just my wishful thinking, I know you're still there, Ken. You always will be. You are truly are one of the most special people I have ever known. Your loss is huge for so many. I will always miss you and be grateful for the time you were here, for the wisdom and laughter you shared so freely and for your huge, generous heart.
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Donna and Mark posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The first time we saw Ken was in Cordova Alaska. He was wearing a skelton t-shirt and running down the road to the salmon bake we were driving to. We said "that guy is crazy!" That wasn't the last time we said that either. Ken was crazy about life, adventure and living life his way. We thought he would never settle down and then along came Leeann, Ross, Kayta and a home. He was a great family man. Ken's time as a husband and dad was cut short and that is a loss. We hope the pain in your hearts will ease and the memories of your family of four will be clear and happy.
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John Sensenbaugh posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Rest in peace, brother. You lived a good and courageous life and will never be forgotten.
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Hollis Dana posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
So so sorry he had to go so soon. I'm glad he is free but so sorry to lose him as a friend and brother. He was a deep thinker, a strong lover and a funny guy that could make you laugh almost any time. His devotion and commitment to his family, his community and our planet was remarkably unwavering and an inspiration to many. We love you Ken. We will miss you and think of you always. May your spirit soar and your heart rest easy. You've done a fabulous job with your life and made a huge contribution in many many ways. Love and Light. Forever. Aloha!
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Ney posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I’ll warmly remember a kind and wonderful friend. I’ll never forget:
- In 3rd grade, when Ken and I got in a shoving match.
- In high school, when we went scuba diving in the muddy lake/pond behind his house, just because we could.
- In Europe, when Ken woke up in a park to find his pack had been stolen, and who finished the rest of the trip as happily as ever, carrying only his sleeping bag.
- On the north coast of California, when after a breakfast of watermelon I threw up while diving for abalone, and Ken thought it was blood and that I was going to die.
- In the Yosemite backcountry, when Ken the nature lover woke up in the middle of the night to find that a raccoon had unzipped his pack and was dragging his bag of gorp down the trail.
- In the Yosemite backcountry, the sight of his white underwear bouncing in the dark as he chased the raccoon.
- In Mexico as teenagers, diving with sea turtles.
- In Mexico as teenagers, caught at the border with firecrackers and tequila.
- In Canada ice climbing, when Ken broke through the ice into water and hiked out in below freezing weather with a wet leg.
- In the eastern Sierras, when we snow camped and built a fire on a green branches so it would stay on top of the snow. And it didn’t.
- On the Navajo Indian reservation recently, when Ken took over construction management on the work project we were on.
Thank you, Ken. Your integrity, honesty and love has made a difference in my life, and I will never forget you.
L
Liliane Bartha and Maya Bartha Southwell posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Such a sweet man. We miss knowing Ken is there in Olympia to catch up with on the next visit. Leanne,Kayla and Ross all our positive energy and love to you all.
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Annie Rosenthal posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Ken, I miss you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Leeann, Ross, Kayta and all who loved him, my arms are holding you, my heart is filled with you, and you are in my prayers. I love you all.
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