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Kenneth Smith 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 family moved 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.

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/ .
Visit www.molesfarewelltributes.com to share memories and stories.

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

Published by Juneau Empire from Sep. 25 to Oct. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Smith

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December 16, 2017

Betty and family.....I just came across this today. So many wonderful memories of your family! Blessings from a young man (soon to turn 70) from Haines. I live in Walker Lake, Nevada, now. Moved to Nevada 17 years ago.

Mary Cartmill

October 3, 2017

Betty, I remenber Ken from Chapel by the Lake as a kid. He made it so much fun and his special effects I'll never forget. He will be missed.

John Shaffer

October 1, 2017

Ken Smith was a good colleague in ministry and I have enjoyed "touching bases" with him from time to time. We were both at Juneau in the 1970's and we had contact once at Ferndale, WA.

Peter Anderegg

September 26, 2017

Ken affected the lives of everyone he touched from Juneau, Alaska to Hawai'i to Eagle River Alaska, to Arizona and in Washington. I haven't seen ken in over 30 years yet I still think of him from time to time and will never forget his puns.

Rik Pruett

September 26, 2017

A very sad way to begin the morning by finding Ken's obit. The Smith's were such close friends of our family and we visited them in Hawaii a few times after they moved. I can't even think of Chapel by the Lake without remembering Ken's sermons in the old log chapel. My Father and Ken both got Hernia's building the new sanctuary and as a teen, Westminster Fellowship was a good way to spend time in a great environment with Ken's loving guidance and encouragement. Trips to Yakutat and Rainbow Glacier camp in Haines, rides in the back of their old Volvo wagon, the "God Squad" pushing cars up the icy corner to the chapel in the winter so everyone could attend services. Too many memories to even fit into a day full of musing about the Smith's. Sad to hear he's passed yet also comforted in the knowledge that he will be eternally cracking his corny puns in good company in the place he always knew he'd end up. A man revered and remembered for the remainder of many people's lives.

September 26, 2017

Betty, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember both of you very well. Fay Coblentz

Patti Malecha

September 16, 2017

Ken Smith retired as Pastor of Eagle River Presbyterian church in Alaska 20 years ago. Our children were around 4 and 6 when he began pastoring and about 11 and 13 when he (and Betty) retired. What an example of a wonderful Christian couple they were to all of us.

I have often thought of the huge impact Ken had on our family, how much he taught us and how dear to us he still is, even after 20 years. When I hear the song "Here I am, Lord" it reminds me of Ken. It seems to capture his whole Christian philosophy, because in both words but more importantly in his actions, Ken truly held ALL people in his heart.

Ron Tidmarsh

September 14, 2017

Betty so sorry that Ken has passed I know he will be missed by every one that knew him

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