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Kenneth Bisbee

1953 - 2019

Kenneth Bisbee obituary, 1953-2019, Ridgefield, WA

BORN

1953

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Northwood Park Funeral Home, Cemetery & Mausoleum

16407 North East 15th Avenue

Ridgefield, Washington

Kenneth Bisbee Obituary


KENNETH BISBEE
June 19, 1953 ˜ August 24, 2019

Ken Bisbee passed away peacefully on August 24, 2019 in Clackamas, Oregon. He was born at Hamilton Air Force Base, California on June 19, 1953. He later moved to Germany with his parents and brother Tim and lived there for three years before returning to the United States. Ken graduated from North Central High School in Spokane, WA in 1971.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University in Elementary Education and later received his Master’s from WSU as well.
Ken married Nancy Paolo on March 23, 1983.
He spent 41 years teaching in the Ridgefield School District. Ken also directed plays and musicals for elementary-aged children, and coached the speech and debate team at RHS for 22 years and Knowledge Bowl team for 19 years. He was a proud member of the Ridgefield Lions Club.
Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy; their five children; one granddaughter; sister, Phyllis; sister-in-law, Pam; niece, Sherry; and other loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Cascades Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ridgefield Lions Club Scholarship Fund.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Sep. 1, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Bisbee

Sponsored by Ken's Loved Ones.

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Thank you for initiating this second opportunity to reminisce about Ken.

My association with Ken was back in our twenties. At which time we were at WSU where as students we first connected. Amazingly, he was always laser-focused on becoming a second grade teacher. Whereas most the rest of us were unsure and changing majors frequently. Not Ken, everything he studied, even electives, was geared towards making himself a better instructor. From all accounts he proved most effective at that and was a blessing to many youngsters.

Ken also had an appreciation for the arts. At WSU he did some acting in the campus theater. Sorry to say, I missed seeing those performances. After graduating he got involved with the Bradford Exchange and acquired some beautiful white, marble-toned display plates. That experience led me to do the same. He was a great influence!

Ken also took good care of everything he was responsible for, including his appartment. One time he recruited me to patch a hole in his living room carpet. A hot fry pan had been placed on the orange, shag nylon and burned a spot. My upholstering skills came in handy as I sewed in a patch taken from a corner of the closet floor. It was fun and he was pleased with the results.

I miss Ken, but as you can tell, he's not forgotten. I pray that he is now happily in heaven with Jesus Christ.

Best regards,
Joe Jackson

Joe Jackson

Friend

August 20, 2020

I am so sorry to read about Ken's passing. He and I were undergraduate students together at Washington State University way back in the early '70's. What a dynamic explosion of vitality and personality he was! I can remember him leaping around the dorm room while lip-synching Barbra Streisand. At other times I would be his audience as he rehearsed an oral interpretation assignment. It would always be delivered with pathos and flair. He was so much fun to be around.

For several years after graduation I would visit him in his backyard apartment in Ridgefield. Those were also good times. Then, as life would have it, we dropped out-of-touch. I was hoping to reconnect with him during these days but find it is impossible now. My loss.

I understand that he went on to have a great teaching career, marry a wonderful woman, and raise a fine family. I am not at all surprised. It will not happen in this life, but I look forward to catching up with Ken in heaven at the great banquet table of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Rest in peace Ken.

Joseph Jackson

April 21, 2020

Ken and I go way back, to Novato High School. We were best friends. Dance well Ken, until we meet again.

Pam Vann

Friend

February 2, 2020

Such a phenomenal teacher. I will never forget him.

Luc Perkins

Student

September 10, 2019

Mr. Bisbee was an amazing teacher! He took time out to help those who were behind like I was. He's the reason I started to love reading!I was way behind and by the time I left his class I was above grade level. I'll never forget what a great teacher he was!

Flo Whipple

September 10, 2019

Nancy, when the weeping times abate or lessen, growing in gratitude for sharing a life with such a one as Ken will return hopefully with joy and thanksgiving. Such a long time ago we were 'teamed' it was in the beginning of you and Ken. This sadness with his passing so young is a shock. You are loved. Connie Roach

September 9, 2019

I am so sorry by the death of Kenneth. God gives comfort to his family.
Lenora Ackers.

September 4, 2019

I grew up going to debate tournaments with my stepmom who was a coach and learning and laughing from Mr. Bisbee. To his wife Nancy and all of their lovely children, my deepest condolences to you as i know there is no way to replicate the light that Ken brought into this world. Thank you Mr. Bisbee for always treating me with kindness and for making me love debate so much once it was my turn to join in on the fun. It was always a delight to be around you, even if you were correcting my public forum arguments. Rest In Peace.

Audra Morrison

September 4, 2019

We are so very sorry to hear about Ken's passing, Nancy. Please know that we are praying for your family's comfort after this devastating loss. In THE RETURN OF THE KING, Tolkien says, I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are evil. May your grief be wrapped in memories that soften the pain of grief and some of your tears be joyful, when you think on good times you have shared with Ken.

Jeanne & Ken Niedermeyer

September 4, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. While my association with Ken was minimal and through the Lions, I heard many positive comment about him. I thought well of Ken.

Gene McCann

September 2, 2019

Mr. Bisbee was my brother Scott's favourite teacher; I still remember the "reading bathtub" in the classroom where whoever had been especially good that day could relax on a pile of pillows and read! creative, innovative, endlessly kind and fair, he was such a good teacher and example to everyone. When I returned as an adult and Park Ranger to teach his class about electricity and hydropower, he immediately recognized me and asked about my brother. Amazing man!

Susan James

September 2, 2019

We were so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. Nancy, we are keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Rod & Liz Swanson

September 2, 2019

Our family sends our prayers to Ken's family and friends . He was a kind and loving man who will be missed by many. Nancy, you too are loved by many for your amazing loving heart.

The Jenkins Family

September 1, 2019

Ken Bisbee thank you for believing in all of us and supporting us in class and on stage. Thank you for introducing, The Pirates of Penzance Opera by Arthur Sullivan and William Schwenck Gilbert, my first theatrical play. For you are the reason I have my love for theater.

Cynthia Reynolds

September 1, 2019

Mr. Bisbee, you were a great teacher and director. You left me so many memories and I am so grateful for them. The one lesson I will always remember that you taught us was to speak with expression. That has always stuck with me. You will be missed.

Caitlin Ashmore

September 1, 2019

Ken was my mentor teacher and a wonderful man. He will be missed by so many. Love and prayers to his family.

Katie McDowell

September 1, 2019

The world has lost the most giving heart and we are praying for Nancy and their family. To say that Ken made a positive impact on our son and all his students is an understatement. This is a huge loss.

September 1, 2019

One of the finest people I have ever met and worked with. Kept the Ridgefield speech and debate program going with no help from the administration. A great teacher and coach. A great person and friend. He will be missed.

Mike Burton

September 1, 2019

. Let memories of the times you shared give you comfort .

My deepest sympathy,
Pam

Pamela Bisbee

Family

August 27, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss.

Christina Kastritis

August 26, 2019

Cathy Bentz

Cathy Bentz

Family Friend

August 26, 2019

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Memorial Events
for Kenneth Bisbee

Sep

14

Service

11:00 a.m.

Cascades Presbyterian Church

9503 NE 86th St, Vancouver, WA 98662

Sep

14

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Cascades Presbyterian Church

WA

Funeral services provided by:

Northwood Park Funeral Home, Cemetery & Mausoleum

16407 North East 15th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642

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