Ken Blackwell

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Ken Blackwell, long time resident of the SF Bay Area. Ken was a dearly beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, Godfather and friend. Ken never met a stranger, he only met new friends. Ken was known for his genuine infectious smile and quick, easygoing sense of humor.

A natural athlete, Ken's strongest sport was baseball where he played catcher and shortstop. Ken was signed by the NY Mets and scouted by the Cincinnati Reds. Ken was an accomplished runner competing in numerous marathons,10k and 5k races. He loved the outdoors, climbed Mt. Whitney and adored the beach. Ken was an avid hockey fan and proud to be a part of the Bossy family of professional and Olympic hockey players. Ken could quote any player's stats from Gordie Howe to present players. A devoted fan of the San Jose Sharks, the San Francisco Giants and against his better judgment, a steadfast fan of the Miami Dolphins.

Ken graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, in which he was a whiz. Ken would happily spend hours doing crossword puzzles and brain teaser games. Ken's Thanksgiving movie was "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" viewed so many times that his family and friends were able to voice all of the spoken parts and mimic the musical tunes. He could (and would) quote Monty Python and Fawlty Towers at the drop of a hat.

Ken was the ultimate showman and the best server on the Los Gatos restaurant scene, regaling loyal customers with stories of his travels and countless jokes. He especially enjoyed recounting the time he spent in Florida -- running marathons, being a missionary in Ecuador, and working in an orchard picking peaches. He was passionate about his telling and retelling of "THE STORY" of how he met and married his wife of 30 years while on a boat in the Florida Keys having known her for less than a month prior to their elopement.

Ken is survived by his wife, Dari and his two sons Race and Daniel, both full time students. His brother Ron, sister-in-law Olga, his niece Judy Morrisey (Kevin) and nephews Brad Blackwell (Tammy) and Tim Blackwell (Amy). Ken is predeceased by his parents Eddie and Judy (Bossy).

Ken rarely did anything in a conventional way and that was one of his most endearing qualities. Ken's passing leaves a void of collective pain that cannot easily be expressed. We hold dear our memories of Ken and are thankful and blessed that he was one of the best parts of our lives.

Memorial and celebration of Ken's life will be held beginning at 2pm throughout the day and evening on his birthday of January 7, 2023 at his residence in Los Gatos. Please rsvp attendance intentions to 408-412-8365.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his family's online gofundme fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ken-kenny-blackwell-burial-and-final-expenses?qid=568e7de26fccaf7755a89f94d069445e

Published in Los Gatan · January 2, 2023