Kenneth Auburn Briggs, MD

It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of Ken on July 22nd, 2024 at the age of 93. Those who knew Ken remember his zest for life and his dedication to excellence in every endeavor.

Ken was born in Little Rock, AR on October 21, 1930. He grew up in New Orleans, exploring nature and duck hunting in the bayou. He was raised by a family of strong women including his mother, grandmother, and great aunt, who together provided for him through the Great Depression. He attended Jesuit High School graduating in 1950, where he found a love of academics and developed the diligence that he applied throughout his life, to both his education and later to perfecting his golf swing. Ken was preceded in death by his cousin Larry; the two grew up together and remained close throughout their lives. New Orleans was always close to Ken's heart, evident in his signature dish, red beans and rice, and in his status as a lifelong Francophile.

Ken served in the Navy during the Korean War 1951-55. He was a naval mechanic and crew chief for the Admiral of the 7th Division, caring for his DC3 plane.

He graduated from Tulane University in 1958, with a mechanical engineering degree. Ken found a job in Wisconsin, designing pumping stations, but that life did not suit him. He moved back to Louisiana and set his sights on a new career.

Ken entered Louisiana State University Medical School and graduated in 1966 with a medical degree, completed a fellowship in Orthopedics, and became board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery. He had a rich medical residency experience at Charity Hospital in Downtown New Orleans, where he was even the namesake for one special baby he helped deliver.

Always in his element on the water, Ken fell in love with the PNW. He found his spot in the greater Seattle area by driving north on I-5 from Portland until he found a place that felt like home.

Ken established an orthopedic practice in Renton, WA where he practiced for many years. It was through his role as a surgeon at Valley Medical Center that Ken met another strong woman; a nurse and his future wife Kristy. Together they built a life full of love and adventures.

Kens greatest joy was becoming a dad late in life. He taught his kids sailing, cruising, fishing, cooking, the love of travel, and golf. He NEVER said no to another pet, resulting in parrots, gerbils, alpacas, dogs, ferrets, cats, turtles, a toad, and a sailboat aptly named "Menagerie".

Ken had a life long love of the outdoors, he was an accomplished sailboat racer on Puget Sound, master swimmer, golfer and winner of the San Juan Golf Senior Flight Championship in 2017. He was a long-time member of the Seattle Yacht Club.

Ken was overjoyed when a surprise genealogy test in 2019 revealed that he had two sisters, Constance Evans and Dorothy Flask, and he was so grateful to build a relationship with them.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Kristy, his children John (Amanda), Michael (Christina), Laura, grandchildren Declan and Elsie and his sisters Connie and Dottie.

His family and friends will miss him greatly. He was truly the life of our party.

Memorials in Kens name can be made to our local food bank.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.