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Kenneth Andrew Miller
06/04/1948 — 08/16/2012
From Richland, WA, USA | Born in Richland, WA
Kenneth Andrew Miller
Kenneth Andrew Miller peacefully passed away on Thursday August 16th, 2012 in Seattle, WA surrounded by loved ones.
Ken was born on June 4th, 1948 in Richland, WA to Francis and Marjorie Jacobson Miller. He grew up in Richland and went to school at Marcus Whitman Elementary.
On June 19th, 1967 Ken joined the United States Navy and worked as an Electricians Mate on 2 aircraft carriers. While in the Navy Ken served his country over in Vietnam. After leaving the Navy he started working for the Richland School District and funny enough he worked at the same school he attended as a kid!!
Ken married his first wife Debra Yates Miller. In 1979 they had their first child, a daughter, Jodi Miller. In 1982 they had their second child, a son, Kyle Miller. After a few years Ken and Debra divorced.
Ken enjoyed life. He had a passion for NASCAR!!!!! For many years he raced cars at the Tri-City Raceway. Enjoying every minute of the speed!!!
After 40 years of working for the Richland School District as a building foreman he finally retired on July 1st, 2011. To this day Ken could not walk around town without running into a former or present student yelling, "Hi Mr. Ken!"
After many years of being content in his life, he finally found his soul mate Kathie Seely. Though he tried to hide his feelings with little success he finally got the courage and a couple good shoves from friends to ask Kathie out on a date. At the beginning of their relationship Ken realized he loved to travel. Ken and Kathie went to various places. They went on cruises into the Caribbean, but his favorite was anywhere he was with his "Girlfriend". After what seemed like FOREVER to their families they married July 4th, 2012. Though Ken's marriage to Kathie was short, it was still filled with fun "adventures", laughs, and most of all love.
Ken is survived by his wife Kathie Seely-Miller, twin sister Kathleen Thomas Kogan, brothers: Glen Jo Miller, Ron Melanie Miller, brother-in-law William Tyler, son Kyle Miller, daughter Jodi Miller, step children: Michelle Kellee Duffy Seely, Curtis Michelle Seely, Thomas Anna Seely, and Brian Hannah Seely, and grandchildren Andre, Zoe, Allie, Noah, Larken, and Micah Seely. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Marjorie Jacobson Miller, sister Nancy Tyler, niece Shanta Kogan, Uncle Harold Jacobson, and grandson Jordan Davis.
Visitation will be held Monday August 20, 2012 from 5pm to 8pm at Einan's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at the Thayer LDS Chapel at 4pm. The church address is 1720 Thayer Drive in Richland.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. So sorry for your loss.
The Dress Family
I worked several years at Marcus Whitman with Mr. Ken as bldg maintenance person.He was never too busy to stop what he was doing and help with whatever someone asked him. He was such a kindred spirit to all and so many looked up to him. There never has been such a gentle, caring person as Ken. I am so happy he found his soul mate to be with through eternity.Prayers of strength to his family.
Mr. Ken was there when I went to Marcus Whitman 12 years ago. I have memories of him cleaning the building and talking to students and staff. He was a great guy. I remember one time my twin sister and I saw him outside a restaurant with the other custodian Mr. Dave and we gave him a big hug! I’m sorry to hear that he passed, and wish his family the best during this trying time.
Though your spirit is gone here you will continue to shine over your family and friends. Enjoyed you coming to our bbq’s, going to Vegas and us going to your wedding. Most of all being a great friend. Until we meet again drive them cars in the clouds. Love you!
Mr. Ken was the custodian when I was at Marcus Whitman Elementary. I loved him dearly, and he always made us students smile. His kindness and positive attitude always lifted our spirits. He is such a great man, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I pray for the family, that they might feel love and support during these hard times.
Ken will be missed. I worked with Ken at Marcus several years ago. He was a joker.. Ken and Dave covered my back car tires in bubble wrap while I was at work, When I drove home I kept hearing what sounded like a flat tire. They laughed over that forever! Doug has been ken’s mailman for a long time. We will miss his smile but are so happy that he ended his life with loved ones all around him. God Bless you Kathie and the rest of his family.
Love, Melissa and Doug Bradford
Ken,
you will always be my best friend as well as father to our beautiful children. During our 11 years of marriage you were always a kind, gentle man. You stayed the same through all these years.
Jody and Kyle will miss you deeply forever! You were our rock!
I am thankful that we got to have that long talk last week, just sorry Jody and I couldn’t bust you out of that hospital. We know you are around us. We laughed at the practical joke on saturday. You loved to pull practical jokes.
We love you and know you are in a much happier place. Thank you for all the years. We will see you again.
I never even knew what his last name was until now. He was always “Mr. Ken”! What a kind, loyal person he was. A wonderful example of a hardworking man for my 4 children that all went to Marcus Whitman. They each enjoyed him and looked up to him. I remember one time he brought a race car to the school and the kids were able to write all over the car with Sharpies. How cool is that! You will be missed Mr. Ken!
Mr. Ken, you will missed. Thanks for all the early morning talks and making sure the “doors” were unlocked!!!
To my sole mate…though our time together was short.. it was nothing less then AMAZING!!! From our travels, to our long walks on the beach, to our “snuggle time” they are the memories that will last FOREVER!!
I know that we have to be apart for now..but we will be together for eternity!! You will always be in my heart..and nobody can take that from me!!
I love you forever my love!!
It’s not good-bye…but until we meet again!!
Days like today makes us realize again of how fragile and precious life really is and how quickly it can be taken away REST IN PEACE Mr.Ken My friend .You will be truly missed
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of “Mr” Ken. My 3 daughters went to Marcus Whitman and Mr. Ken was a big help to us PTA parents. What a great guy he was and I will miss him alot. I just recently found out that he was dating and getting married to Kathy. I was so happy for them and I am sorry that their joy didn’t get a chance to continue. Ken was one in a million and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Love to the family.
Marsha Lee
Sorry to learn of your loss. Ken was a great kid. I spent a lot of time in the Miller home growing up. Kathy and I were best of friends. At the time we thought Ken could be a pest but he was a great guy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ken was the guardian angel for Marcus Whitman for almost 40 years, and I’m guessing somehow he still might be. I often found him watching TV in the library Sundays not just car racing, he was also a fan of old westerns, WWII epics, true crime and nature shows. Simply by being there, we “Sunday teachers” felt protected as we worked, sometimes after dark. He would keep would-be vandals from climbing up on the roof or fix a broken piece of furniture while he watched. I found it easy to count on his good nature, loyalty, and work ethic. Ken loved Marcus, the building, the job and the ever -changing staff and students. He impacted us all for the better. He was proud of his Marcus connection: from being a student to his retirement as building foreman. We are proud to call him one of our legacies. He will be missed by us all. My condolences to his family and close friends. Race on Mr. Ken!
Mr. Ken was a great man. As alumni of Marcus Whitman I got to see him quite often. He always took the time for each of us and made us feel like an individual. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but happy to know he had happiness at the end. Mr. Ken may you rest in peace.
To kathie & Families, sorry to hear about your loss. Never had the chance to meet him but was alway’s excited to hear about the stories kathie shared with me about the trips they shared together. You and the family will be in my thought’s and prayer’s as you go through another journey of your lives. I never can understand why god takes the best ones away from us,but do know that he will get each of you through this difficult time. God bless!
Kay simpson & family
This was such a shock to read today in the paper. I loved Ken so much. I’ve known him for years of coming into Sterlings with the “boys”. Then was so blessed to see him working at our daughter and sons school. Always full of smiles and hugs,never saying an unkind word. My daughter is very sad to learn of his passing, as am I. He will be greatly missed by us all. My you rest in peace Ken. Hugs to you always and forever. When I go into Sterlings I will have a cup of coffee, bacon and eggs for you Ken.
My tribute to Ken Miller is that we are all better people for having known him! I worked with him, learned from him, and he was my friend. Not only did he work hard, but he was always positive and knew how to have fun on the job, and made the work environment pleasurable for everyone. This man was a hero! For his children, Jodi and Kyle, just know that your Dad was and is one of the most respected of men. A Vietnam War Veteran, 40 years of fantastic service to the Richland School District, and a man that students, parents, administration, and staff believed in and trusted as he was always there for us! I just want to say to Ken’s family, that I am blessed for having a friendship with Ken Miller. In my last conversation with him at the University of WA Medical Center, we parted with our declaration of Friends Forever. That is what Ken Miller is to me and everyone I know that knew him…..Forever Friends, and his presence will always be with us.
Ken you were a good friend .In high school we enjoyed going to the artic cricle and ZIPs during lunch. your love for cars brings back some good times like that 1950 buick that you took out the schocks wow was that a ride. i know if they have any 55 chevs in heaven you’ll have the best one. I’m glad i stoped by that day i saw u out side it brought back some good mimories. to your family. Sorry for your loss he was a awsome person that will be missed.
Mr. Ken, my buddy, my good friend, Richland School Districts’ most dedicated Building Foreman. I will never forget the extra hours and effort you put in for your staff, students, and parents at Marcus Whitman. Yes, Kendra Koopman, I too remember all the children signing his race car at Marcus Whitman and cheering him on at the race track. That was his hobby and passion in his life. I’m glad that I was able to help him fulfill his dream to race again. We had a good time. I will now say good-bye to my good friend until we meet again.
Mr. Dave
August 21, 2012
Kathie & Family:Ken is a great loss to family and to all of us many many dear friends. There is no gentler & caring person than he. He will be greatly missed. I, for one, will miss a truely great friend. RIP Ken.
Zelma and family: We are sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. He is a much loved and respected man. Ron wanted to express how much he enjoyed your yearly visits and the time and memories that you shared at the Scb. cemetery. God Bless you all!
Guestbook for
Kenneth Andrew Miller