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
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ken's Loved Ones.
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
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