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Kenneth Douglas Gartrell

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Kent State University

Kenneth Gartrell Obituary

GARTRELL, Kenneth Douglas Passed away the morning of Oct. 24, 2008. He had been visiting his family when he was admitted into the James Cancer Hospital on Ohio State's campus. It was his wish to be buried in a family plot in Westerville, OH. He received his bachelor's degree from Kent State University in Business and Economics in 1973 followed by a period as a CPA in the firm of Ernst & Ernst. Dr. Gartrell taught in business schools in Northeast OH. In the early 1990s, after 12 years of advanced study, teaching and consulting, Dr. Gartrell was approached to join Putman, Hayes and Bartlett in Cambridge, MA as a Principal. When Putnam, Hayes and Bartlett sold its interest to another consulting firm, Dr. Gartrell and his team moved their practice to The Brattle Group in Cambridge, MA, where he became a Director. Marking continued career advancement, Dr. Gartrell and his growing team then moved to LECG, LLC. Recently, Dr. Gartrell achieved his dream of starting his own firm, Boston Economic Consulting Group, LLP. He is survived by his wife Dona J.K. Gartrell, four children; Elizabeth, Katherine, Byron and Andrew, Parents: Samuel Kenneth and Ella Glee Gartrell and seven brothers and sisters: Garth, Richard, Deborah, Connie, Stuart, Eydie, and Kevin, as well as 23 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, 10/25 at Hill Funeral Home, 220 S. State St., WESTERVILLE, OH 43081. There will be a viewing held on Sunday, 10/26 from 2-5 pm. In place of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to MMRF, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Ken always said that no one deserved to have this illness so it is the desire of the family to continue fighting multiple myeloma, even after his death. The Website for donations is www.multiplemyeloma.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe on Oct. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gartrell

Sponsored by Garth Gartrell.

29 Entries

Mark Sarro

October 24, 2024

An annual shout-out to Ken, to his family, and to everyone here thinking of him today!

Tim kelley

July 24, 2024

Ken, it is 2024. You changed my life in the 80s. At BW and at Kent. You were a mentor teacher friend and inspiration. All these years later I looked you up because you made me the person I am today. I could have been so much more if I had followed your advice even closer. I miss you and think of you often. Thank you. Tim

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2023

Fifteen years has flown by. A beautiful, talented man missed by many. A beautiful family as a legacy.

Mark Sarro

October 24, 2023

Thinking of Ken today, as I do on many days. It's hard to believe it has been 15 years. He continues to inspire me to work and live to the max. And seeing his smile in Betsy's post below still makes me smile. Cheers!

Garth Gartrell

November 20, 2020

Thanks to everyone who continues to respond, and even if you don’t it is very heartwarming to once again read your posts. I talk to him often. He never talks back but I expect sometime when I’m not dreaming he will give me his thoughts on something that will help me.

My father's eyes.

Betsy Gartrell

March 6, 2020

More and more I look in the mirror and see his smiling eyes looking back at me. I miss you, Dad.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2019

I am nearing retirement. As I look back, my good friend, Chuck Nye, while at GenCorp, introduced me to you. We were both consultants to Chuck. I remember conversations with Chuck where very soon in every conversation the question was asked "What does Ken think?" Those were great times. I miss both of you.

Donna Lampen-Smith

October 24, 2018

Ten years without his bright light. The world is a bit less bright especially today. You are missed.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2018

It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed. I think of you frequently and miss your wise perspective and the sparkle in your eyes.

Robert Goodrich

October 24, 2017

Dr. Gartrell, rest in peace.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2016

I can't believe we are into our 3rd presidential election since your departure. You would really enjoy this one. You would have hundreds of new readers of your blog. We miss you.

Mark Sarro

October 26, 2015

Yes, thanks Garth for keeping this site up as a virtual place to remember and celebrate Ken. What a life-changing difference he made to so many, including me. There is no better tribute. To Ken!

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2015

Thanks to Garth for keeping this site active in memory of his brother. The recent entry by Ian Carey describes beautifully who Ken was and the impact he had on all of us. I've read it four times and am still smiling. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Ian Carey

September 12, 2015

I would like to send my deepest condolences to the Gartrell family. I was very fortunate to have been able to call Ken a mentor and a friend. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his death just now in 2015. I credit Ken with helping to launch my career in the business world and owe him profound thanks for his guidance and his wisdom. He was my professor at the University of Rochester for two Accounting classes and he also provided me the opportunity to conduct an independent study course as well as multiple internships with him directly while an undergraduate. After he went to PHB, he hired me there as an Associate which I did for 6 months during MBA studies. It was then, during 1995 that I had the privilege to get to know Ken more as a friend. I looked up to him immensely and thought of him as almost a father figure. He was very charismatic. He always had a smile and a great story to share and he was by far the best teacher I ever had. He had a bit of a movie star persona with his custom tailored suits, fine hat wear, and of course his old school golf knickers! I had always wanted to reconnect and share my own success stories with him as he was truly an instrumental part of my development. He was and will always be a very important part of my life.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2014

Once again an election season is upon us and your wise counsel is sorely missed - at least down here on earth.

Mark Sarro

November 1, 2013

Great to see this space is still active. I always seem to have Ken in mind (how would Ken solve this problem, what would Ken's view of this case be...), and especially last week. Proof of just how larger than life he was and how missed he is. Best to all.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2013

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the Beirut bombing. The most Marines killed in one day since Iwo Jima. I remember how much you loved and respected Marines, especially your brother. Semper Fidelis my friend.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2012

This political season would be a lot more interesting if we still had your blog. We think of you often, especially today.
And many thanks to Garth for keeping this site alive.

Bob Goodrich

October 24, 2010

Je me souviens.

November 12, 2009

I only knew you for a short time my dear Ken...but your spirit lives on within me forever...you were my pleasure to know....I miss you and the lovely evenings we spent together....Lois

Mark Sarro

October 24, 2009

Thinking of you always Ken, and missing you, especially today. We'll toast to you tonight!

Garth Gartrell

October 22, 2009

Hey Ken. On Saturday Heather and I will play golf in your honor. That may not sound like much but each of us is getting to know golf again. i remember how happy you were when I said Heather's athletic gracefulness and beauty reminded me of yours. One thing you never knew--for at least 10 years, whenever i was asked who was my idol, i always responded it was you. Of course I still do. I miss you my great buddy.

Eydie Glasstetter

October 16, 2009

Almost a year has gone by since we lost you, Kenny. I think of you often and miss you greatly. Like the big brother you always were, you blazed a path for us to follow. I will see you again when God calls me home but until then I will cherish you in my heart.

James Meil

July 9, 2009

I had a number of opportuntities to work with Ken when he was with Ernst & Whinney in Cleveland in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was highly professional and committed to his clients. I think back fondly to those days of our association.

Millbrook, NY September '08

Andy Gartrell

November 9, 2008

I miss you, Dad. My teacher, friend, colleague and father. You live on in my memories -- always and often.

Garth Gartrell

October 31, 2008

I cannot believe you are gone brother and I think of your children. Betsy, Katie, Byron and Andy, I know you will miss him but he gave you his perspectives freely even if sometimes unwanted. But because of that, you will hear from him clearly and often as you go through life. Sometimes blessings reveal themselves unexpectedly over time. He did adore you so and why not, you are all wonderful.

Lev Gerlovin

October 30, 2008

It was an honor and pleasure to know Ken, work with him, and share several special occassions with him. His intellect, generosity, and sense of conviction will remain always in my memories. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Mark Sarro

October 29, 2008

Ken is a truly unique person and persona, a man of the highest calibre and rarest intellect.

I will always value my time spent with Ken and appreciate the privilege of calling him a teacher, mentor, and great friend.

Thank you, Ken. I will miss you, and I will always have you and your family in mind and prayers.

Marybeth Nelson

October 26, 2008

With deepest sympathy--was very saddened to here this.
It was a pleasure and honor to know Ken.
My thoughts are with your family.
Sincerely,
Marybeth Nelson

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