Kenneth Ranta's Obituary
Kenneth Ranta, 57, died Tuesday, April 8 unexpectedly doing what he liked doing – driving along the dirt roads near his childhood home in his red Jeep Wrangler. Born October 25, 1950, he grew up in Paynesville in the Upper Peninsula.
He leaves his wife of 25 years, Julie Smydra, and his pride and joy, their daughter, Dr. Kyle (Tim) Platson. He also leaves his brother, Pete (Pam) Ranta; sister, Judy (Ed) Trad, sister-in-law Margie (Dr. Daniel); sister-in-law Jean Smydra; brother-in-law Andrew (Rachel) Smydra, as well as a host of other family, friends, and work associates who will miss his keen, off-beat wit and wonderfully infectious smile.
Ken received a bachelor degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix. It was at U of M that Ken became an ardent, life long Wolverine fan. Go Blue!
During his career, he served as an Athletic Director, Assistant Headmaster, and basketball coach at the Abbey School in Canon City, CO from 1974 - 1982. He was an Athletic Director and math teacher at Kent Denver School in Denver, CO from 1982 – 1996. He coached girls’ varsity basketball to the school’s first state quarter final playoff.
He served as President of the (Denver) Metropolitan Athletic League and Commissioner of the Colorado High School Lacrosse Association. When lacrosse became a sanctioned sport in 1997, the Colorado High School Athletic Association established the Ken Ranta Sportsmanship Award. This award is given each year to one Colorado high school student athlete who demonstrates conduct considered fitting for a sportsperson, observance of the rules of fair play, respect for others, and graciousness in both winning and losing.
Ken came to Grand Haven Area Public Schools as Athletic Director in 1996 and stepped down seven years later to teach math and science at Lakeshore Middle School. Ken considered teaching his true profession and wanted to devote more time working with students.
Ken cared deeply and loved completely. He loved college basketball, golf, baseball, and Texas Hold ‘Em. And, he especially loved listening to and playing music. He played bass guitar in several rock and blues bands including, the Klicketts, Math Man and the Equations, Poverty Gulch, and Rhythm Skool.
Ken’s favorite day was any day he spent off-road driving, golfing, or working with his brother on construction projects. The “Ranta boys” teamed their off-beat humor to complete remodeling projects and cut cords of fire wood over several summers. They also made it a priority to participate each year in the Clancy Challenge, a cancer fundraiser sponsored in part by their sister and brother-in-law.
Big memories of his were playing in the 1967 Class D Michigan high school basketball state championship game and playing in the World Championship 16 inch softball games, pitching for the Litz Auto Supply team from Canon City, CO. The team won seventh place and took home the Best Sportsmanship Trophy.
Ken was an inspirational teacher, a fierce competitor, and a truly extraordinary and loyal friend. He always kept the bar high in both his well-grounded values and his actions. One could always place his trust in Ken’s council, friendship, and company. Ken’s talents were many and his life too short. He was genuinely loved and will be greatly missed.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, April 19 at Lakeshore Lutheran Fellowship Church, 16790 Van Wagoner, Spring Lake. Visitation of family and friends will be at 1:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of Ken’s life at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund for the Little Red House Adult Day Care Center. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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