Kenneth William Anderson

Ken was born on February 20, 1941, in Centralia, Washington, to William and Lillian Anderson of Rochester, Washington. Ken grew up in the small community of Rochester with his parents and three younger sisters in a small house on Highway 12. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sports. He met his future wife, Linda, in elementary school and the two were friends throughout their school years. Both attended college at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington and married in 1962. Ken graduated from CWU in 1963 and started a career in education. His first child, Kimberly Lynn, was born in Vancouver, Washington in 1966. Ken then decided to become an educational administrator (school principal). His second child, Jill Diane, was born in Vancouver, Washington in 1970. The small family moved to Belfair, Washington, in 1971, where Ken took the job as school principal at North Mason Elementary. His third child, Dane William, was born in Bremerton, Washington in 1973.

In 1976, Ken was hired as superintendent of Toledo School District and the family moved to Toledo in southwest Washington, where they spent many happy years. Ken continued to hunt and fish frequently. He also enjoyed watching and sometimes coaching his children’s sports teams, and rarely missed their games.

In 1984, the family relocated from Toledo to Sequim, Washington, where Ken became the superintendent for Sequim School District. He enjoyed this job for many years until his retirement in 1993. Ken was then tasked with facilitating an educational program for juvenile inmates at Clallam Bay prison and touched many lives during his time there.

Ken and Linda moved to Lacey, Washington in 2002. They became active in their religious community at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Olympia, where Ken took great joy in singing with the choir. Family time was always important to him as well, and he and Linda logged many miles in order to spend time with their beloved grandchildren, who all adored him. Ken and Linda also loved to travel and took trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian Anderson, sisters Judy Benson and Carol Gifford, grandson William Richard Anderson, and nephew Scott Mohr.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda, daughters Kimberly Britton (Michael Britton) and Jill Waskom (Jim Waskom), and son Dane Anderson (Jessica Anderson); his seven grandchildren Hannah Waskom, Joseph Waskom, Mirija Britton, Lane Neugebauer, Benjamin Anderson, Theoden Britton, and Lila Anderson. He is also survived by his sister, Lois DeVaney (Mike DeVaney) of Kennewick, Washington, numerous nieces and nephews, and the foreign exchange students who shared his life for a season and who he considered family members.

Ken lived a life deeply rooted in service, embodying the belief that true fulfillment comes from uplifting others. His unwavering commitment to helping those in need was evident in every aspect of his life, whether through volunteer work at his church and with Rotary, mentoring youth in his community, or simply lending a listening ear to friends and family. Ken’s warm spirit and compassionate nature brought joy to countless lives, and he found his greatest happiness in moments spent making a difference, no matter how small. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and selflessness that will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you continue Ken’s legacy of kindness in the world.