Ken Kasmar, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on July 31, 2026, after a brief sudden illness, leaving a legacy of laughter, love, and learning. Born on December 21, 1963, in the picturesque city of Santa Barbara, California, Ken was the cherished son of Bob Kasmar and Rosemary Hickman. His early years were spent in the vibrant landscapes of California, where he graduated from Del Norte High School in Crescent City.
Ken’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service and education. After graduating, he served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1988, an experience that shaped his disciplined and resilient character. Following his military service, Ken pursued his passion for computers and information technology, dedicating several years to teaching Microsoft certification courses, where he touched countless lives with his patience and expertise.
Ken was a man of diverse talents and interests. He achieved a third-degree black belt and proudly served as an Assistant Head Instructor in the martial art of Oom Yung Doe, sharing his love for the discipline with others. His inquisitive nature led him to explore hobbies such as fishing, distilling spirits, racing his beloved BMW, and immersing himself in the world of online gaming.
On May 23, 1997, Ken married the love of his life, Nancy. Their union was a testament to devotion and joy, strengthening with each passing year. Ken embraced the role of father to Ember, Nancy’s child, and together, their family was a source of pride and happiness.
Ken’s friends and family were drawn to his encyclopedic knowledge and remarkable memory for details. His dry humor could light up any room, bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. Though he considered himself an introvert, Ken’s profound care for his loved ones was evident in his actions, always putting others before himself.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Nancy, and his cherished adult child, Ember, his mother Rosemary Hickman, his father Bob Kasmar, and his brother Dan Kasmar. He is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Kasmar. Ken’s memory will forever be honored by those who knew and loved him.
A memorial service to celebrate Ken’s life will be held on August 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bonney Watson Funeral Home, located at 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Humane Society for Seattle-King Co in Bellevue, WA, to honor Ken’s love for animals.
Ken Kasmar will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory be a blessing to all.
Thank you for giving us wings, Brother.
Fly High
You will be missed. A game is a game but we form friendships and an understanding between like minded people. Thank you for your accepting spirit. You were a pillar to the DayZ community.
Let the rotors turn slow tonight.
Thank you for everything you did for us in the dayz world. You gave us the gift of flight. Fly high brother. Rip
Rest in Peace from Texas, you’ll be sorely missed. You made an incredible impact on our community for years.
A legend within the Dayz community who made a huge impact on many people, you will be missed but forever remembered by so so many. Fly high mate!
We will miss him, he inspired us, and always was so kind.