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KENNETH STALEY Obituary
Steamboat set sail from this life into the next May 26, 2011, at his home. He sets the path for his wife of 42 years Patricia and his children; Kathleen Berg of Pasco, Kenneth of Benton City, Mary Lou of Santa Cruz, CA., Richard (Jeanie) of Graham, Susan Mitchell (Ed) of Pasco, Steve Arends (Heidi) of Kennewick, and Jane Knox of Richland. He also left behind 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Kenneth D. 'Steamboat' Staley was born in Alta, Iowa, in 1926 and migrated West with his parents when his father joined the security force for Du Pont. He served in the USMC. After his discharge, he went to work for the city of Richland as a fireman, which is where he picked up his nickname. He was also a letter carrier in the early days of Richland. He spent most of his adult life as an electrician on various sites in and around Hanford.
Steamboat leaves behind rich memories of many varied outdoor activities. He was an avid hunter, he enjoyed golf, digging razor clams on the Washington coast, and puttering around on his hobby farm. He was a joiner. He belonged to the Eagles, the Elks, and was past master of the local Masonic Lodge and the Shrine. When age and his weak knees slowed his outdoor pursuits, he found a new activity and spent the last decade as an avid Tri-City Americans fan.
One of Ken's favorite activities for several years was playing Santa. He donned his red suit and beard and made appearances at rest homes, union halls and several other spots around the Tri-City area. If you ask any of his grandchildren what their fondest memory of their grandfather is, without exception they will say those times when they were young and Santa made a sudden appearance in the middle of our holiday gathering. Seldom a Christmas passes without great discussions of those events.
One of his grandchildren wrote an eulogy on his Facebook page which reads; 'Today Heaven got a really great Santa.'
You lead a good life, Steamboat. You touched many, many people. Rest in the peace of mind that knowing your family loves you, misses you, and can't wait to see you again.
The family requests that you make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in lieu of flowers
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH STALEY
3 Entries
Lisa Adams
June 6, 2011
Ken played Santa at the Richland Public Library for years and he was always so much fun. I will cherish my memories and the pictures of my children and grandchildren with him. My thoughs and prayers are with his family.
Marla Pierson
June 5, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Pat and the kids. I have very fond memories of Uncle Ken.
Marla Staley Pierson
June 5, 2011
Rest in peace Uncle Ken.
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