Kenneth B. Ewert

Kenneth B. Ewert, 56, departed this life on February 11th 2026. He was born June 25 1969 to John and Peggy Ewert, the youngest of their four children, at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose California. Ken grew up in Sunnyville CA and graduated from South Bay Christian High School in 1987.

Ken moved to Seattle, arriving on Thanksgiving Day 1992. Ken had a great love of theater, and a thirst for knowledge and life. His first show was as the Spot Operator for a production of Sweeney Todd, and from then on, he was hooked. He taught himself anything he wanted to learn within the theater arts, and excelled at making things. This quickly led to jobs at the Seattle Children’s Theater and Empty Space (RIP). In December 1993, he found his theatrical home at ACT. He worked there as Props Master Artisan for 24 years. Ken often spoke proudly of the amazing things this allowed him to build: his favorite being an exploding cat (which had to explode on command for each performance -– No Live Cats were harmed). Ken was also involved in early 'Greek Active' productions at Rebar (under his alias Rita Renton), and wrote/produced "Bimbos of the Death Sun", parts of which were then workshopped around Seattle.

Ken’s life was forever shaped by two incidents:

In May 1997, his parents, brother, sister, and sister’s wife were killed instantaneously in the plane his father was piloting when it crashed moments after take-off.In July 2019, Ken suffered a massive heart attack while hiking with family, and due to the damage done to his heart, he then spent his remaining years with an LVAD implant (https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/l/lvad.html); the resulting effect of this incident ultimately led to his retirement from full time theater work. Ken was deeply grateful to the then ACT management and crew for the support and kindness they showed him after his cardiac event.

Despite his diminishing health, Ken did continue to keep his hand in on occasional projects for as long as possible: assisting his fellow artisans when he could, and contributing to Cafe Nordo’s re-opening season in 2022 with a variety of clever set pieces. As always, Ken worked with curiosity, skill and kindness towards everyone involved; he will be sorely missed.

Ken is survived by his sister Janet, nieces Allie and Maddie, and great-nephew Rishi, as well as many within his chosen family in Seattle. Ken requests that, in lieu of flowers, to please donate to ACT, Nebula, or any local Arts organization. A memorial celebration will occur in the spring, date TBD.

Please share memories & photos on the guestbook, located below.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of Seattle, WA