Kenneth Manuel Gomes

Mr Gomes was my 7th grade English literature teacher in 1993. I was shocked to find out he passed away 10 years ago, way before his time at the age of 50. Not many teachers made reading fiction fun, but Mr Gomes has been one of the main reasons that got me into reading and writing as I grew up. I didnt know you well outside of class, but I wanted to thank you for partially shaping me into who I am today.

My name is Scott Thomas Wass. I met Ken in elementary school, San Jose. We played ball, and laughed together. He came to my birthday party. We graduated from the same high school, and went off in different directions. Shortly, after I moved to Ripon, back in 1989, I ran into him at a store in Modesto. He was so excited, friendly, and warm, just as I remembered him when we were kids. We exchanged numbers, but, with both of us being busy with families, we never got together. I regret this now,...

Peace and Blessing to Kens entire family .
He seemed to live the life he wanted to, and there never seems to be enough time do all we want. But!, He ! touched so many lives during his life here with us and for that he will Live forever in our hearts and lives for as long as we live.

Latonyia

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ken's passing. His work with language learners was both appreciated and respected by his peers throughout the district. His students who came to Modesto High always came well prepared. He helped with the transition to a new culture for so many students. His professionalism will be missed.

It only seems like a few months back that all of cousins got together in Escalon for the wedding. Ken was a stand up guy and a great addition to the family. We are so sorry for the loss to Jan, the family and to Ken's larger community.

Our thoughts are with you.

I was privileged to work with Ken at Roosevelt for many years. On most mornings, when I arrived at school and headed down the hallway toward my room, Ken would be in his classroom preparing for the day or already teaching students. He was truly a dedicated teacher who has left a legacy, and there are many whose lives are better because Ken was able to touch them in some way. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Ken and to have him as a member of our language arts department. He...

I was assigned Ken's classes at Roosevelt last year. Several times during the year, students came by looking for Mr. Gomes, just to say Hi and visit for awhile. When high school students return to their junior high school English teacher, well... that tells you so much about the teacher and the man.

Losing Ken was a huge loss for our family. He was fun, witty and gave back to his community of Modesto.
It does my heart good to see so many touching stories that just reinforce what a fine adult my little brother became. Many thanks to everyone for sharing your piece of Ken's life with all of us.

Elaine Sanders
Big Sister

Ken was a friend of mine. Janet and all of Ken's family and friends have experienced a great loss.
The community of Modesto also shares that loss. Ken had become an outstanding teacher; one committed to continually improving himself for the benefit of his students. Those students all carry a bit of Ken with them into their lives outside of RJHS. In that way, Ken will continue to live through them and Modesto is better for it. Aloha, Ken.