Kenneth G. Wise

Kenneth Wise Obituary

Kenneth G. WISE Son of Robert and Beatrice Wise died 8/01/10 after a courageous fight with cancer. Born and raised in West Seattle, Kenny was a local institution. After graduating from West Seattle H.S., he attended the University of Washington where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. He served In the Army during the Korean War. He joined his father at West Fuel and successfully ran the fuel oil business until he sold the company in 1995. The West Seattle Rotary was a huge part of his life for over 50 years. He served as President 1966-67 and again 1976-77. He was a life member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and served as its President in 1977. He initiated the Rotary Christmas Shopping Day at Sears for needy children in 1974 and was the Santa for many years. He served on the Board of S.Seattle Community College and also was active in the West Sportsmen's Club. Kenny was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his wife Anne enjoyed traveling around the world. Above all else, he loved his family, his friends and his Community. He is survived by his wife, Anne, sister Lane Townsend, brother Oly Wise, and son Tom Wise (Wendi); stepsons, Martin Bentrott, Bryan Bentrott (Mary Anne) Robert Bentrott (Christina) and 13 loving grandchildren: Chandra Hoover, Corrine Wise, Bryan, Matt, Mark, Amy, Brandon, David, Kelly, Corbin, Chase, Kiran and Collin Bentrott. In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made to: West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation at 6523 California Ave. S.W. #315, Seattle, Wa 98136; or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center,1100 Fairvie Ave. North M.S. J5-200, Seattle, WA 98109. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Fauntleroy Community Church, 9140 California Ave. SW, Seattle.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Aug. 15 to Aug. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Wise

11 Entries

Carol Coram

August 9, 2021

"Uncle Kenny" will forever be missed.

August 18, 2010

Uncle Kenny,

You still owe me a seaplane trip (flight).

I still remeber lunches at Burgermaster in the fuel truck as well as ski trips because Mom and Dad did not ski.

Love,

Katherine Elliott-Kummerow

Greg McCormick

August 18, 2010

I conducted some work with Mr. Wise several years after the West Fuel Co. property was sold. I enjoyed hearing about all his trips to interesting places and thought he was a good man. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

James Colburn

August 17, 2010

There are few so memorable people as Ken. Although a brief stint with the West Seattle Rotary in the 90's, I remember Ken as the icon of my experience... His big red faced smile, his committment to any project - big or small, and his devotion to success for the club and for the community.

Best Memory: During one of the rotary auctions, I got a little carried away with the paddle and ended up buying a kids mountain bike (at the time, had no kids). As I tried to stuff it into my honda civic that evening, Ken walked up to me and said "you don't really want that bike do you?" I said, "how'd you guess?". He then said, "I know some kids at Christmas that would love it"..."tell you what, let's split the cost of that bike and give it to the kids".

My prayers go out to Ken's family, to the community and to the Rotary Club for this immense loss.

August 16, 2010

I was very sorry to learn of Ken's passing. We have known each other since school days and graduated in the same class from West Seattle High. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Donn Smithe
Las Vegas, Nevada

Judi Finney

August 16, 2010

When I think of Uncle Kenny the words that come to mind are: kind, generous, supportive, encouraging and caring. He was really interested in me and in particular he loved to hear about the year I spent in South Africa as a Rotary Club of West Seattle sponsored Ambassadorial Scholar.

Thank you Uncle Kenny for always making me feel welcome and an important part of the club during my scholarship prep year and then later as a new member of the club.

I hope that during your last weeks you looked back on your life and felt proud of yourself for the way you touched people's lives and the numerous accomplishments and contributions you made to serve and support others.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family now as they mourn your passing.

Paul Aleinikoff

August 16, 2010

Everyone at Cascade Oil Company thought very highly of Ken.
Paul Aleinikoff

Bob and Julie Patten

August 16, 2010

Ken, your kindness and generosity knew no color, gender or age. You will be missed.

Carol Coram

August 15, 2010

Uncle Kenny, I know you are looking down at us pleased with all you accomplished in life and most recently, pleased about the Rotary Club of West Seattle's Totem Pole returned to it's place of honor before you left this world. One thing is for sure, you will never leave the hearts and minds of those whose lives you touched. I will never forget our last conversation when we were both at Virginia Mason for our cancer check ups on the same day at the same time. Your positive spirit and upbeat attitude surely rubbed off on me. I am blessed to have had you pass my way in life. Thanks Uncle Kenny.

John Enger

August 15, 2010

What can I or anyone say about Uncle Kenny that hasn't already been spoken. He was one of the most generous individuals I've ever known. A real guy's guy, but he loved to flirt with the ladies. The years in Rotary I spent with him were an education in themselves. I was honored when he asked me to join the Investment Club...spending time with him in his hospital room a week before he died, while trying to show him his grandaughters wedding over a computer hook-up will be a memory I'll always charish when I think of him. We weren't successful, but I could tell he appreciated the effort...what wouldn't someone do for a man like Ken.
Sincerely, John Enger

August 15, 2010

Ken was such a warm, friendly and generous person. He was a great friend to me personally and especially wonderful to South Seattle Community College. I will miss him. Respectfully, Jerry Brockey

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