It’s hard to put into words the kind of presence Ken had in my life but I’ll try. For almost three years he wasn’t just my roommate he became a mentor, a friend, and in many ways a father figure. He had this way of taking me under his wing sharing life lessons with patience and care giving advice like a man who genuinely wanted to see me grow. From the staircase while I was cooking in the kitchen he would engage me for hours talking about his job at Wendy’s how much he loved it the frustrations the challenges and the little victories. He never hid his humanity he was real raw and authentic and that made every conversation meaningful.
He was meticulous in everything he did a truly clean and orderly person who never caused any trouble in our home. Yet beyond that he had this infectious energy a lightness that made our home feel safe and warm. And then there was his lucky streak his “lucky fingers” as he called them. He won lottery after lottery almost like the universe favored him and when I’d jokingly ask him to share some of that luck he’d just grin and say “If you have it you have it.” It was never arrogance just a quiet confidence that reflected the way he carried himself.
His presence his guidance his humor his quirks and even his frustrations at work they all painted a picture of someone deeply human deeply alive and deeply unforgettable. Accepting that he’s gone has been one of the hardest truths to face but I am grateful for the time we had for every conversation every shared laugh every lesson and every moment where he made me feel seen and cared for.
Though I’ll no longer hear his singing or catch him from the staircase sharing stories his influence remains in me in this home and in my heart. He was extraordinary in the ordinary and I’ll miss him more than words can express.
