Kenneth H. BINION

12/06/1944 - 03/18/2013

BINION, Kenneth H. Beloved husband, father and friend, passed away too soon on March 18, 2013. Born December 6, 1944, in Sayre, Oklahoma, he is survived by Marilyn, his wife of forty-four years; sons, Ronald and Brent Binion, and Steve Burn who was like a son to him; daughters-in-law, Becky Binion and Carol Binion; grandchildren, Ian and Kira; and brother, Ron. Ken studied industrial engineering at Oklahoma State University, but found his life's work in banking, serving as a Vice President for Crocker, Wells Fargo, B of A and, finally, Sterling Bank where he spent his final and happiest work years, finding a new family there with whom he shared a love of cycling. He rode his Trek and Scotts on many Spokane trails, and after every ride had some tale to tell: riding alongside a deer across an old train bridge, or watching spellbound as bald eagles sunned by the river. Earlier in life Ken was a theater dad, participating enthusiastically in his sons' puppetry and repertory theater programs. The Binion garages were turned into workshops and became the center of creative activity. Ken helped build and direct the endless projects and performances, giving guidance to his sons and many other young people. In recent years, he lovingly supported his wife in her new writing career. Ken was a founding member of a Rotary Club in Eureka, California, actively engaging in its student exchange program; sat on community boards, including a homeless shelter committee; and was host father to Japanese exchange students from Mukogawa Institute. Most of all, everyone who met Ken was treated with respect, kindness and a smile like sunshine. His final gift was the donation of his corneas which now give someone vision to see the sunrises Ken so loved. A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Shadle Park Presbyterian Church, Alberta and Rowan, from 1 to 4 pm. Ken's family invites all who knew him--friends, his banking families, his customers at the downtown Bank of America branch--to come and share in this special remembrance. In lieu of flowers, please donate in the name of Kenneth Binion to Friends of the Centennial Trail, P.O. Box 351, Spokane, WA 99210. To read or share more memories, visit the KENNETH BINION MEMORIAL facebook page.