Kenneth Paton Obituary

Kenneth Paton
July 10, 1937 - April 7, 2025
Kenneth William Paton, born on July 10, 1937, in Wenatchee, WA, peacefully passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 87. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Ken's life was filled with love and adventure.
In 1957, Ken married his best friend, Kay Marchel, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with shared dreams, adventures, and achievements. Together, they founded Arlberg Sports Inc. in the summer of 1958, a business that became a cornerstone of their community and a testament to their love for the outdoors and downhill skiing.
Ken was a private bush pilot whose passion for flying mirrored his adventurous spirit. His love for the outdoors was infectious, earning him the affectionate title of "The King of Fun." Ken's stories, rich with humor and warmth, were legendary among friends and family.
Deeply involved in his community, Ken was a significant part of the Mission Ridge Ski Resort and the Mission Ridge Ski Team. His commitment to his community and the sports he loved left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Ken is survived by
His wife, Kay Paton
Heidi and Glenn Smith, daughter and son-in-law
Scott and Nalini Paton, son and daughter-in-law
Kealani, Cai, and Boulder Yamamoto, granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great-grandson
Cole Paton and Savilia Blunk, grandson and granddaughter-in-law
He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth David Paton and Norine Shotwell Paton; and his sisters, Patricia Paton Sawyer and Elizabeth (BettyAnn) Paton Roberts.
In keeping with Ken's wishes, a celebration of life will be held with his immediate family.
Ken's vibrant spirit and generous heart will be cherished and remembered by all who were fortunate to have known him. He would want everyone to continue in his path of prioritizing the importance of time with loved ones and sharing in the activities that bring us joy and happiness.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Wenatchee World from Apr. 16 to Apr. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Paton

10 Entries

Bradly Scot (Ross)

April 29, 2025

Remember 1st shop further south on Wenatchee Ave, shared with (Evans?) Boat shop, then the 1st A-frame, & finally the Triple A-frames.

Parents were good friends of Patons & Cumbos; mom, Barb Ross worked @ the shop.
Visiting as a child during building; we joined them for a break for A&W ice cream, & while sitting on the open floor framing of the new shop, mine fell off the cone in the dirt, where I imagined it remained for the life of the bldg., & would later become an archeological find..!

Many hours spent @ Steven's Pass shop warming/drying from rain-snow; then later, the new Mission Ridge shop.

Fond memories of canoe trips with Ken & Ken Sr. Most memorable: 2 weeks, 1970, 200 miles of the South Nahani River, Northwest Territories, just below the Arctic Circle; flows into the Laird, the main tributary to the Makenzie, the main river flowing north into the Arctic Ocean!
Not accessible by road; hundreds of miles from civilization.
Three-16 hr. + days driving from Wenatchee; Ken, Gordon Congdon Jr. & I taking shifts in a pickup with 3 canoes on top. Gordon Congdon Sr. flew to meet us @ Whitehorse(?), & 3 others joined there.
Long flight to a lake near the river by floatplane, & portaged to the river.

River includes 500 ft.Virginia falls, 3rd largest volume in N. America & some good white-water!
In the 1st big series of rapids,
a huge wave crashed over the entire front half of our 18 ft. 'lake' canoe (no river boats), & over my head, as Kenny yelled from the stern, "Keep paddling, Bradly!" A picture of that exists, with only the rear half of our canoe visible, taken by our 1 kayaker, Richard, who was downriver..

Kenny is missed already..
With much love,
Bradly Scot (Ross)

Mark Milliken

April 25, 2025

It was so much fun going into the A-frame and shopping for ski stuff.

Dave Parsons

April 21, 2025

My first memories of Ken were when my Dad would take me to the original store on the north end of Wenatchee in the late 60's for ski equipment and Ken was always happy to see everyone. The story continued as I took my children in for the same experience in the 90's and my grandson a couple years ago. Ken's smile and laugh was always a huge welcome to the Arlberg, he will be missed.

Courtney Cox

April 21, 2025

I just found this obituary and am saddened by this loss. I got to work with Ken when l was the Downtown Association Exec Dir and he was so great to work for. Always kind and clearly focused on what was good for the community. God rest his soul and be with you, Kay, as you go forward.
Blessings, Courtney Cox

Lenny Monroe

April 18, 2025

I have nothing but good and fond memories of Ken. He was so important to all us young skiers. What a great legacy he left. And what a fantastic smile!

Jonnie Kae Smith

Planted Trees

Jonnie Kae Smith

April 18, 2025

A great man full of life, love and vitality! He along with Marl Kane were my ski coaches for the Wenatchee Ski Team in the early 60's. Ken taught me a great passion for skiing and made me the skiier that I am today! Ken will always remain in my heart and memories as I continue to ski in my late years. Love you Ken!

Rollie and Barbara Schmitten

April 16, 2025

We learned during a Lake Wenatchee fire emergency that Ken And Kay were at the ready when others were in need of help.

Marsh

April 16, 2025

LOVE YOU

Dan P Kelly

April 16, 2025

I enjoyed Ken and his spirit to family and friends. I really appreciate what he did for skiing and Mission Ridge. Starting Arlberg was a great part of my skiing experience. Most people don't realize what it took to open up Mission Ridge from the beginning. He is a legend for doing all that he did for our community and the skiing world. I will miss him along with so many others.

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