Kenneth Wilbur Smith
April 11, 1927 - September 07, 2017
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Kenneth Wilbur Smith
April 11, 1927 - September 07, 2017
Obituary
Reverend Kenneth W. Smith, age 90, of Ferndale, WA, passed away September 7, 2017. Born in Lackawanna, New York, Ken left High School early to join the fight in World War II. His journey through the European Theater awoke empathy, compassion and courage that would serve him well in the years to come. Returning home, he attended Sterling College where he met the love of his life, Betty Marie Ramsey. They married on August 18, 1950, in Arkansas City, Kansas.
Ken and Betty began their Christian service as mission teachers at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska. Answering his call into the ministry, Ken earned a Masters of Divinity degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary and began his 40 years as a Presbyterian minister serving at the Chapel by the Lake, in Auke Bay, Alaska. After 22 years, Ken, Betty and familymoved to Hawaii and served 12 years at the Waimea United Church of Christ on Kauai. Ken was called back to Alaska, finishing his congregational service at the Eagle River Presbyterian Church with an additional 8 years. Church members, and non-church members alike, were struck by his vigorous devotion to congregation and community.
He directed and presided over the “Go See Seminar” mission trips throughout southeast Alaska aboard the Anna Jackman, one of several vessels in the legendary “Presbyterian Navy”. He served in multiple capacities within the Presbytery of Alaska, and in Hawaii with the United Church of Christ. Entering retirement, Ken maintained a robust schedule, where he held numerous community and volunteer posts, and authored 19 books.
Ken was known for his humor, empathy toward all people, and innovative programs. He was involved in numerous building projects in each of his congregations, and in many community projects as well. He would see a need, and start projects himself to get momentum going. Ken often commented that being a pastor was the “best job in the world”. His congregations fondly remember his inspired, thoughtful sermons, his mind-bending puns, and in particular, the creative energy and practical love he applied to everyone and everything he was involved with. Ken loved and embraced all people and cultures, truly living a life dedicated to Christ.
Cherished activities included mowing lawns; careful cultivation of sourdough pancake batter for prodigious community breakfasts; crafting his inventive weekly children’s sermons; singing, writing, and always serving others. Boundlessly energetic, he was also a man of humility, and questing insight.
He is survived by wife Betty Marie Smith; his sons, Kevin J. Smith (Anne Fons), Mark E. Smith (Robin Merritt), Gerald R. Smith (Janel), Kenneth A. Smith (Daniel Collison), daughter Janet A. Smith (Robert P. Jones), granddaughter Kathleen B. Smith, and grandson, Jackson P. Smith (Jessica).
Kenneth was pre-deceased by his mother and father, William and Marjorie Smith, his brothers, James and Gerald, and his son, Philip A. Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Birchwood Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 1pm. Memorials can be made out to the Presbyterian Mission (Presbyterian Church USA), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700; https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift-info/102/ .
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: September 16, 2017 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Birchwood Presbyterian Church
- Location: 400 Meadowbrook Court Bellingham, WA 98226 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-8860
18 responses to Kenneth Wilbur Smith
nalani hookanothach says:
September 7, 2017
omg I just found out when trying to find you I will miss you always may you r.i.l always .
Marian Shimazu says:
September 7, 2017
Aloha!, from The Island of Kauai, HI. I remember Reverend & Mrs. Smith doing their ministries work here in Waimea Christian Church, Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii. Every summer July 15, for about a week. I was in elementary school, growing up time. My parents would send me to Vacation Bible School located at a gym next to church he holds Sunday services. I’ve learned so many bible songs; “Deep & Wide,” “Seek Ye First,” “I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N,” “Wise Man, Foolish Man Built His House,”…….there were more. But these songs were my favorite as I was continue going Vacation Bible School every summer. Met lots of friends, play, learned the Bible, scripture ereading, answering questions of the Apostles. Rev. and Mrs. Smith were really patient with over 75 childrens, providing snacks for a lot of us. Played outdoor games. I had a lot of fun during my childhood days. Now, I’m a parent of 4, all the songs that Rev. and Mrs. Smith thought me; I have sang these songs to, I also sang in different languages too. My eldest child goes Baptist Church to sing and praise our Heavenly Father with all the songs I’ve learned at Bible School. And he plays musical instruments. My second eldest child also dances hula for our Heavenly Father. Just being bless knowing all the memories I have learned from Rev. and Mrs. Smith. Thank you for all the hard work for teachings sing and praises every summer at Bible School. Reverend Smith will always be in our hearts and mind forever. May The Lord bless you all, knowing Reverend Smith is with Lord Father. Aloha.
Jan Burger says:
September 7, 2017
I enjoyed knowing Ken through the Presbytery of Yukon. I especially enjoyed his humorous puns and his insights into whatever was happening in the meetings. May the Lord give you comfort as you remember Ken.
John & Celia Snyder says:
September 7, 2017
Our sympathy at the death of your father. What a wonderful life of faith and service he demonstrated! Certainlly people will be blessed for many years by his witness.
P.S. We have been living at Brookdale Skyline. They allow dogs and Bella is thriving here. We let her off leash on our daily walk down to Bear Creek.
John and Celia
Dick and Judy Marcum says:
September 7, 2017
Dear Betty and Family,
Dick and I went to Grand Lake, up and over a high pass in Rocky Mountain National Park a few weeks ago. It was so good to take a break and know that Chris and Kimberly would do just fine without us for three days.
When we arrived back in Longmont we had a message about Ken and his fall. We caught up on the Prayer Tree information and anguished over the tough news and were elated by his good day. We could feel the roller coaster effect you must have felt. Then came the final message. The Good Lord called Ken to his eternal home.
It has been very difficult to be so far away and be so inadequate with words to let you know our feeling of loss for one of the Greats in our lives. We pulled out pictures of some of our adventures with you, Betty, and Ken to help remind April of the people who were so great with her in Ferndale.
We have a “memory quilt” of many squares that include:
Home cooked meals we served each other about twice a month followed by the Smith version of Chicken Foot
Washing dishes stacked to the ceiling once a month for the less fortunate
The honor of helping Ken publish his books and highlighting them on his website
The vision of Ken coming up our hill in the snow to cat sit TC
Lots of applesauce
Your attendance of the “Concert” at BPC starring August and April our last Christmas in Washington
Celebration of birthdays and anniversaries
Boat rides at Birch Bay and through the locks in Seattle
Our visit in Kauai at the jail AND with the roosters!
The charming serenading by local Hawaiians of their beloved Ken and Betty
Dick has been taking care of me with various unresolved and resolved health issues for which I am very grateful. April turned Sweet 16 this last Saturday. We had a visit last Monday from Ron and Kathy Bailey who now live closer to Seattle near their kids. (We were in their small group for quite a few years before we were in the small group with you and Ken.)
Our deep love for all of you!
Judy and Dick Marcum [originally sent Sept. 28 to Ken and Betty’s email address]