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Kenneth M. Gomes

Kenneth Gomes Obituary

Kenneth M. Gomes Entered into rest August 12, 2009 in Modesto, California at the young age of 50. Born and raised in San Jose, CA., Ken was the beloved husband of Janet Betcher and loving and devoted father to Emily and Kenny Gomes of Modesto. Ken is also survived by his sisters Dianne Clyborne of Las Vegas and Elaine Sanders of Los Altos. Dearest uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his devoted parents Edward and Lucille Gomes, San Jose and his brother Richard Gomes, Coos Bay, OR A celebration of Ken's life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 11am. College Avenue Congregational Church, 1341 College Ave., Modesto, CA. Donations can be made to the Ken Gomes Memorial Fund c/o Roosevelt Junior High School 1330 College Ave., Modesto, CA 95350.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Aug. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gomes

19 Entries

Chris

October 30, 2019

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.

Scott Wass

September 17, 2009

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, more than ever, Rest in peace, Ken.

August 31, 2009

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

Dick Swan

August 29, 2009

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.

Frantic House

August 28, 2009

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.

Nancy Haskett

August 28, 2009

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 always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook, and he added a great deal to the staff at Roosevelt.

WJ Hawkins

August 27, 2009

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.

August 26, 2009

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

Rob Ortman

August 26, 2009

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.

Susan Zwahlen

August 26, 2009

My thoughts are with you often at this most tender time. I am appreciative to Mr. Gomes and his family for the service he gave to our children in class and on the basketball court. We remember him fondly. Sincerely, Sue Zwahlen

Fred Crane

August 24, 2009

Ken and I were best friends during elementary school. We played together nearly every day and every sport or game imaginable. He took the heat for breaking the neighbor's window, knowing full well it was my far more accurate throw that did it. Ken was a kind and considerate friend, who will shall all miss. Rest in peace, buddy.

June/Frank Crane

August 24, 2009

Up here on our hill, it seems like only yesterday you boys would be opening the fridge to see if there was a snack to pick on. It was fine as long as you guys didn't take the last of the juice or milk, at least a few drops left in the bottom of the jug. And then coast down to Brown's house and slam on the brakes in the gravel. No wonder we parents got gray hair. Those memories are forever. We have all been rewarded by your caring. And so many have received rewards from you as the great teacher you proved to be. So much the better they are to have been a student in your class.

Jim Berry

August 24, 2009

Ken's was a very memorable soul and a huge loss to the world. I worked with Ken many years ago and feel like I knew him yesterday. His gentle spirit and true manner will be missed.

Melanie Carter

August 23, 2009

Janet and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that he was very much loved.
With love,
Melanie (Boyles) Carter

Elena Bertolotti-(Flores)

August 23, 2009

I had Mr. Gomes in 7th grade (15yrs ago)He was one teacher who inspired me. I would honestly enjoy my hour in class when he was teaching. He was a very intellegent teacher and just an overall great man. When I think of Roosevelt Jr. High-I think of him, so sad to see him go so soon, so young...he will be in my thoughts and prayers along with his family.

Misty Rodabaugh-Crawford

August 23, 2009

How sad that we have lost such a wonderful dedicated man and teacher.Mr. gomes was my 8th grade teacher, over 15 years ago.
I still remember his big smile, to this day. He is, and always will be my favorite teacher, and softball coach! just a wonderful positive role model for kids. An all around great person! Rest in peace MR.Gomes You will be missed! Thank You ! - Misty Rodabaugh (Modesto,Ca) My heart goes out to his family

Daniel Mukhram

August 22, 2009

I had Mr.Gomes as my English and Literature teacher when I was in the 7th grade at Roosevelt Jr High. This was during the 88-89 school year. During that time, I was having a hard time with my classes. I remember that year Mr.Gomes had given me several detentions because of not turning in my assignments and having a failing grade in class. Even though I did not like receiving the detentions, I realized why he had given them to me. When I would come in to serve my detention, he would work closely with me to make sure I was understanding the materials he was teaching in class. He made sure I didn't leave detention until I knew my stuff. I finally understood that he he didn't give detentions to punish his students but to bring them in for extra help.

What Mr. Gomes did, I will never forget because he was one of those teachers that truly cared about his students and didn't want them to fail. He was one of those teachers that became a big influence in my life as I went on to high school and college. Due to his influence, I never again failed my classes.

I was shocked to see Mr. Gomes name and picture in the obituary today. Even though I had not seen him since my Jr. High days at Roosevelt, I still remembered who he was during all these years. I remember he had a love for softball and used to talk about it in class. It's really sad to see such a fine person leave the world so early.

Rest in Peace Mr. Gomes. I will always remember you.......

Betty Sesser

August 22, 2009

Dear Janet and Family, My Love and prayers go out to You all . Did not know Ken well but he always seemed like a very special man.Always so devoted. I am sure he was a great teacher and Coach.

Always, Betty Sesser.

August 22, 2009

Ken was a great person. I worked with him for ten years at RJHS as a bilingual para. His love for teaching and the students made him a caring loving person. My memories of him will be charished for ever and he will be missed by many.
He was one special person who cared for everyone the same. That was one of his greatest features that will be remembered by me and many others.
Ken I will miss you and all the students will be missing out in the greatest Language Arts, Reading Lab and English teacher they could of , should of , would of had.

Sincerely,

Eva Perez

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