Kenneth W. VanAssche

Kenneth VanAssche Obituary

April 9, 1950 – May 6, 2019 Family, friends, planes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, heavy equipment and epic parties at the river… these were a few of Ken's great loves in life. It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we say goodbye. On Monday, May 6, 2019, Kenneth W. VanAssche, 69, of Chelan, WA, died shortly after take-off at the Chelan Airport in his plane. It was a beautiful day and he was ready to soar. After learning to fly recently, he wanted to check flying off his "bucket list of life". His list was long, exciting and filled with adventures. The stories of his life were great and we have lost a true legend among us. Ken was born on April 9, 1950 in Everett, WA to Calvin and June VanAssche and was the second of 13 children. He was raised in Snohomish, WA. Ken moved to Sultan, WA where he raised his son and daughter with their mother, Ginny, and he later moved to Chelan, WA. Throughout his life, Ken owned and operated Ken's Tractor Company. Everyone Ken encountered came away enchanted with his stories and excitement for living life to the fullest. He had many friends in the Cascade Driftskippers Snowmobile group that he'd built lasting friendships with. He loved a good party and took every opportunity to gather family and friends and share his home, hospitality and love of life. May you soar on wings of Eagles, Ken. Your family and friends all love you and will miss you dearly! He is survived by his daughter, Jessie Kindle (Byron); granddaughters, Faith and Isabelle; father, Calvin W. VanAssche; siblings: Genny Arnold (Tony), Rodney VanAssche (Gail), Margaret Griffiths, Lorie Berkey (Walt), Pat Malgesini (John), Janet Thibert (Lee), Keran VanAssche (JD Johnson), Pete VanAssche (Jackie), Barbara Appleby, Steve VanAssche (Christel), Jim VanAssche (Joy), Jay VanAssche (April) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Dez VanAssche and his mother, June VanAssche. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ken VanAssche Memorial Fund, in care of Jessie Kindle, 41421 Nelson Place, Gold Bar, WA 98251 Condolences may be left on the Ken VanAssche Memorial Page on Facebook. We will have a celebration of life on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish, WA from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

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Published by The Herald (Everett) from May 19 to May 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth VanAssche

9 Entries

JoAnn Holcomb

May 13, 2020

Hardly a day goes by we dont think of sayings by Kenny. Our favorite: Its just money. It brings everything into focus. Ken was always about what is important, family, friends and helping others where and when you can. He truly enriched our lives and connected us with friends who continue to make a difference in our life. Our hope is the memories and good times remain with his family and many friends throughout their lives.

JoAnn & Duaine Holcomb

Matthew Espinoza

May 24, 2019

We feel blessed to have known Ken the short few years I knew him, My wife Sri and I met him through mutual friends Chris and Katie Carcia.
Ken VanAssche was full of energy and always doing something but always having fun. One of my fondest memories is the annual Apple juice gatherings on the lake.

Mick Steinman

May 21, 2019

I always liked to be around Kenny. He was always happy and very helpful whatever he was doing. We did many snowmobile trips together. He worked on my Ellensburg property for weeks. Enjoyed parties at Chelan Falls. He had that special chuckle. He will be Missed.

JoAnn & Duaine Holcomb

May 21, 2019

Ken always loved connecting people and helping everyone. John Reed a close high school friend gave us his name and in turn his brother Steve's name, who then built us a fabulous home in Entiat. The past year of get togethers, birthday celebrations and sharing friendships were Ken's favorite things to do. We still smile at our last outing picking asparagus as Ken guided us to a favorite spot. Ken lived life well and with great intention. Our heart goes out to his family as they have lost one special man, loved by us and many more.

Iris Gonzales

May 19, 2019

I met Ken through my sister Kate Ciarcia. We once went to his house in Chelan and he was nice enough to entertain us. Your kindness will always be remembered. May u RIP.

BILL PASCOE

May 19, 2019

Ihave knon Kenny for many years, and worked together in the trucking busines as well. We were great buds and loved to tell tall tails and and good laughs about many things. He will be greatly missed, for his good nature and kind ways. Bill

Marge and Clarence Due

May 19, 2019

Gone way to soon, a wonderful person. So sad. RIP dear Ken VanAssche.

Helen VanPutten Egger

May 19, 2019

I have many great memories of Ken riding his snowmobile from Stevens Pass to our cabin near Fish Lake, sharing his property on the Columbia River in Chelan hosting family gatherings, his excitement for life and his beautiful smile. He was a fun cousin and he will be missed.

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