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Kenneth Olendorf Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Olendorf
Cy LeGare
April 15, 2024
Piano student with Ken for several years (70's). Ken was a gift to me spiritually and piano... Ken changed my life, we had an honesty that was very rich for men to experience. I knew it was a "gift" that was actually happening to me as I opened up to Ken. He reached right inside me and allowed me smile...
November 7, 2011
Very sad to hear about Ken's passing.
I was the guitarist with the 7th Army "Inside Out" show and had the highest regard for him and his musicianship.
That was in 1959 in Stuttgart.
Sympathies.
Mike Saluzzi ([email protected])
Rick/Pat Hatley
November 6, 2011
Hi Barb and family; again I share my deepest sympathies with all of you. I took the liberty while at the International Accordion convention in Vegas, to give a copy of Ken's service handout to Mr. Morocco, thinking that he would want that and he was very thankful. All there recognized him as his passing was announced the first evening and many of us prayed for comfort for you and the family. He indeed will be greatly missed and I was so proud to consider Ken my friend.. Rick and Pat Hatley
November 4, 2011
Dear Barbara and family, We have all lost a friend and an amazing accordianist. It didn't get any better. I was in California playing for a Swiss festival so was unable to attend services. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Your Friend, Lyle Schaefer
November 1, 2011
I followed Ken for years with Bob Alec and with other bands for years and he will missed.
Barabara I am sadened for your loss.
George Sumner
Griff Ziegler
October 29, 2011
Ken Olendorph was a musician of exceptional quality and range. He left a legacy of jazz, fine music and arrangements that will linger for a long time to come. My best wishes to his family, and his many friends. He will be missed by all, especially those in the Seattle area.
Griff Ziegler
accordionsqueezeplay.com
The Van Horns
October 29, 2011
Cousin Barb and family-
So sorry to hear about Ken. Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family!
Ron and Connie Van Horn
Jennifer Van Horn
Darrell Wagner
October 28, 2011
So Sorry to Hear of Ken's Passing. We booked him for many events over the years through Professional Entertainment and he always brought a wonderful gift with his music to the people he performed for.
Maggie Jordan-Grant
October 28, 2011
Barbara, Kendra, Brian, Kris, and grandchildren:
Words are so insignificant to recognize the sudden loss you all have. Thank God for memories and photos and cd's.
I think what must have enabled Ken to be the person he was -- not only the God-given talent he had -- but also because of his reciprocated love for Barbara and his family.
Can just imagine the band that's rehearsing in the "next room": "When the Saints Go Marching In" will never sound better...
Love & blessings to you all -- The 5:30pm Mass on Saturday, November 4 at St Joseph's in Issaquah is being said for Ken.
Kelley Johnson
October 28, 2011
"To the Olendorf family...I am saddened to hear of Ken's passing. I got to play with Ken and hang out some, ten or so years ago, and I was so lucky to have gotten to know him a little. He had a killer smile and enthusiasm to boot and was such an excellent musician! It was an honor to make music with Ken and I've always wished I would get to see him more and know the cats who he came up with. Time goes screaming by tho. I am so very sorry for your loss. To Ken - Thanks."
Samuel Jones
October 28, 2011
To the Olendorf Family,Thank you for the love,friendship and support that you have given to the Jones family for many years. I am sure that you all know how much we love you. We are here for you at this time and are praying that GOD strenghten and comfort you with his peace. Much love from Sam and Ladora and the entire jones family.
October 28, 2011
To the Olendorf Family; I was shocked to hear of Ken's passing. What a musician!!! He will be sorely missed. Please accept my condolences.
Clarence Acox
Johnny Jones
October 28, 2011
To the Olendorf Family, I'm very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He will be missed! I loved playing with him during Church Services at the Church at South Seattle. I considered Ken as a very dear friend, gifted musician, great person, and a loyal friend to our family.
I offer my sincerest condolences to Barbara and family.
From,
Johnny C Jones
Son of Dr. Emma Jones
Barbara Lofquist
October 28, 2011
Ken, you were always one of the greatest musicians. You always made me feel important even though I felt insignificant as an accordionist. God by with you in your journey. God bless your family in their time of sorrow.
Adrianna Wells
October 27, 2011
I know my sweet mom, Maria Groth (who passed away last March from cancer) looked up to him as a musician. She was always thrilled to see him play. I'm sure they are playing together in heaven!
My sympathy ~ Adrianna Wells
October 27, 2011
I'm trying to recall how I started with the NWAS back in l990, when Ken was getting the group together. I smile when I think of his corny humor while emceeing the monthly meetings but man, could he play
I had the chance to expand my playing when Ken started a small jazz combo and jazz chords were like learning latin. But I appreciate the music so much more.
He was instrumental in getting Anthony Galla-Rini in Seattle for wonderful workshops with the Maestro. wow, what a treat.
To prepare for the Leavenworth International Accordion Competition in 2007 I took lessons to play a complicated set of Jewish 20's Pop songs, and polkas. I was warmed by his compliment of "I've never heard you play better"
Thanks Ken for your guidance
Pamela Pasquale, Wenatchee
Cory Pesaturo
October 27, 2011
Ken will be missed by the Accordion Community which I can speak for. I did not know him personally, but he so wonderfully shared his gift to the world, and he will be missed deeply.
Musically - Cory Pesaturo
Cindy Darrow
October 27, 2011
Ken, it has been a pleasure working with you, we were a team together I will miss the music you were the best, thanks for the memories. Cindy D.
Schyler Mason
October 27, 2011
I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad and Grandpa. Hugs to you all,
Schyler Mason
Dan (ny) Smith
October 27, 2011
My Mom (Mary Towne Smith) performed many times with Kenny. She often said she had the most fun during those gigs. Barbara Olendorf is one of my favorite people from my childhood years. My heart goes out to your whole family. I can remember so many good times, and laughing was always a part of those times. Know you all are in my thoughts.
Patti Christiansen
October 26, 2011
Barbara,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on Ken's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Steele
October 26, 2011
I was one of Ken's students back in the early 80s. He was an inspiration to me and taught me what being a real musician is all about. I remember bringing him jazz standards, and watching him bring the charts to life, furiously writing out chord symbols, and "noodling" around, finding the choicest chords, pencil in mouth.
I was just a kid, and he opened my mind to the possibilities of jazz.
For that I will always be grateful.
I still have a few of those charts, and will always treasure them. He will be missed. God Bless You Ken.
Deborah Denison
October 26, 2011
May God and your memories bring you comfort during this sad time.
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