Kenneth Eugene Hand Sr
March 19, 1934 - January 4, 2024
Obituary
Northwest loses Ski and Snow Sport pioneer and Original 12th Man Flag raiser
Ken Hand Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on January 4, 2024 at the age of 89.
He was born in Tacoma WA on March 19th 1934. His childhood in Tacoma instilled a lifelong passion for bowling, skiing and football. He was famously loved for his stories, life antidotes and sound advice and quick wit to all that had the fortune to cross his path. Ken Sr. met his future wife Kathy in Paradise Mt. Rainer and bonded over their mutual appreciation for skiing and continued to share this throughout their long and happy 62 year marriage.
Ken was a member of the Bremerton Ski Cruisers ski club, a member of PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America), Chief Engineer at Supervisor of Ship Building and Repair for the Navy, served 25 years in the US Army National Guard and was an original Season Ticket Holder to the Seattle Seahawks.
He bowled professionally in the 1950’s on a team sponsored by a local beer company. He bowled several times on TV and recounted that he made more money than he thought possible going into it. He gave that up when he accepted a job at Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard in Bremerton as a Naval Architect. He later transferred to Supervisor of Ship Building and Repair and rose to the position of Chief Engineer prior to retirement.
Ken became a member of the Bremerton Ski Cruisers in 1958. The Ski Cruisers were founded in 1936 and held their first Bremerton Days race in 1939 on Mt. Rainier. This ski race is still held and is one of the longest continually run ski races in North America. They built a cabin at Stevens Pass in 1946 that still stands as their base of snow sport activities. Many at the cabin still remember him whistling as he skied down the hill. He served for decades as the clubs Planning Committee Chairman. Early in his years of membership he helped put together the clubs new 20 year lease with the Forest Service. Twenty years later when he helped put together their next 20 year lease he thought it would be his last. Little did he know at the time that he would again be on hand to assist for a third lease!
It prided Ken to be a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) since it’s earliest days and the role he played in growing the Association in the pacific northwest through PSIA-NW. Ken was Director and stake holder of Chief Kitsap Ski and Snow Sports School (1961 to 2005) he helped introduce the sport of skiing and snowboarding to inspire a lifetime commitment to the mountain experience. Thousands of youth and adults on the Olympic peninsula enjoy lifelong memories of their introduction to the sport. He mentored many other ski school directors, owners and instructors throughout the years. Ken was on the Board of Directors for PSIA NW as the Member School Chairman and also headed the Insurance Committee. He also served as the Pacific Northwest Representative to the PSIA National Insurance Committee. In 2023 Ken received his 60 year membership pin to PSIA. Ken has been honored as an honorary life time member of PSIA as well as the Bremerton Ski Cruisers.
Skiing: It’s the rush, the whoosh, the whistling wind, the whoa, the wow and the sparkling wonder of it all. ~Author unknown~
Ken and his wife Kathy are original season ticket holders to the Seattle Seahawks. He had many fond memories of the games. If someone left the game early, you could be sure to hear him say “hey… there is a whole lot of football left.” Bill the Beer Man used to store his soda drink next to Ken during the games so when he came by he could share some time and have a sip. Ken had a funny wit about him. He enjoyed teasing Tony Ventrella and Wayne Cody whenever he was in earshot of them. When he saw Tony he would say in a loud voice “There will never be another Wayne Cody”. When he saw Wayne he would say “There will never be another Tony Ventrella”. After a few years it was sure to get a laugh from both gentlemen. Sometimes they were both in earshot at the same time. Although funny, there was truth in what he said. On October 12, 2003 Ken and his wife were invited by the Seahawks to be part of the inaugural 12th Man Flag Raising at the new Seahawks Stadium. The Seahawks had 12 original season ticket holders raise the 12th Man Flag for the first time. Seahawk Legend Jacob Green was on hand for support. In 2011 Ken and Kathy were invited to Seahawks training camp in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary as their special guests. At the end of practice they were brought out to the middle of the field and Golden Tate presented his jersey to Ken. Red Bryant presented his jersey to Kathy. Kathy mentioned to Red that his father in law (Jacob Green) was with them when they raised the 12th Man Flag for the first time. Red responded “Miss Kathy, I am sure he remembers.” Ken was called on again with his wife in 2013 by the Seahawks to run out of the tunnel just prior to the players for the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49rs. Twelve fans ran out of the tunnel through the line of Seahawk Dancers. The final two fans may have been a bit slower but were cute as ever and Ken and Kathy had the fans hearts in that moment. The 12 fans high fived the players when they came on the field. After, they returned to their seats and enjoyed a historic Seahawk win.
Civitas World Congress is a program sponsored by the United States State Department through the Center for Civic Education to promote and teach civics to students through the Project Citizen Program in emerging democracies. For over a decade Ken participated in this program and traveled to many countries throughout the world. On a local (WA State) level, he was treasurer for We the People WA program for over 20 years. This program teaches civics in the classroom culminating locally at a State Competition held at the WA State Capital each January. The winning class is sent to WA D.C. to participate in the National Finals in which WA State has placed on many occasions.
Community involvement was something Ken did not shy away from. He was a Cub Scout Master, Boy Scout Leader and Committee Chairperson, Little League baseball Umpire, President of junior football club Burien Bearcats, Football Announcer, Treasurer of the Highline Boys and Girls Club, Treasurer for We The People and Project Citizen, Civitas World Congress, PSIA-NW Member Schools Chairman, Member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and devoted member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
He leaves behind his wife Kathy, children son Ken Hand Jr. (Suzi), Kelly Simon (Ben), Kristy Ulrich (Brad), Grandchildren Josh Simon (Jenny), Brandon Hand, Kraig Hand (Kristina), Allison Hand, Kendra Ulrich and Great Grand Twin Children Malcolm (3) and Isla (3). He was preceded in death by parents William James Hand and Mary Jane Hand and his brother Bill J. Hand.
Ken was just a regular guy that served his country, his community, and family. There is no doubt he positively affected the life of thousands of people in the Pacific Northwest. Keep your tips up and Go Hawks!
A Celebration of life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 19030 8th Ave S, SeaTac WA 98148 at 11:00am February 3rd 2024. Lunch to follow on site.
Links to service: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/POPSeaTac/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@princeofpeaceseatac5149/streams
All friends and family are welcome. The family asks that donations to the Red Cross be made in lieu of flowers or other gifts.
