Kenneth M. Myers
September 3, 1921 - September 5, 2005
Obituary
Kenneth Murray MYERS
1921-2005
Teacher extraordinaire, Coach and Umpire for decades, loving husband & father.
Our dear husband, father and friend, Kenneth Murray Myers passed away peacefully Monday night, September 5th, 2005, at the age of 84. At his side was Doris, his wife of fifty-three years, along with his three sons, daughters-in-law, and many grandchildren.
Kenn was born on September 3rd, 1921 in Vancouver BC, Canada, where he lived with his mother Dorothy and younger brother Don until both Kenny and Donny enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1939. They served together until 1942 when Kenny enrolled at the University of British Columbia. After completing much of his undergraduate work, he transferred to Bob Jones University in Greenville South Carolina, and then completed his BA in Education at Seattle Pacific College in 1953. He continued his education and then received his Masters in English Literature from Seattle Pacific College.
Kenn started his teaching career in the Highline School District in 1953 as a fifth grade teacher and then transferred to Highline High School the next year where he taught until his retirement in 1996. His passion for young people and desire to teach was too strong to let him totally retire, so he continued to teach as a substitute in the Highline School District until this June at the age of 83. Know as the “Silver Fox” to many of his former students, he was known for his tough love for all his students, demanding their best in every chosen path. His love for teaching was known by all his colleagues.
In his earlier years as a young person Kenn was a four sport letterman, playing football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. He played semi-pro hockey for the Vancouver Canucks in the 40’s. Always a lover of sports, Kenn coached Football and Baseball at Highline High School, and served as an umpire for over thirty years with the Northwest Baseball Umpires Association, and as an usher for almost all Washington Husky sporting events as well as at Quest field for Seattle Seahawk home games.
For those who knew Kenn, they know his love for Jesus Christ was without bounds and his desire to read and understand God’s Word, the Bible, was one of his highest priorities. Kenn was a charter member of Berean Bible Church in Shoreline Washington, and he utilized his teaching skills in opening up God’s Word to all ages. He served as an Elder at Berean Bible Church for over forty years, and he was honored with the title of Elder Emeritus on May 9th, 2004 for his selfless services to his faith community.
Kenn is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Doris, their three sons and their wives Scott & Heidi, Brent & Susan, and Kent and Sue. Kenn was also grandpa to nine grandchildren: Sonja, Cameron, Taylor, Julia, Morgan, Madelynne, Allyson, Nolan, and Hudson. He will be missed by all of us, but we are grateful for his life and influence on our lives.
Memorial Service will be held at 3:00PM, Monday, September 12, 2005 at the Berean Bible Church, 2345 N 185th Street, Shoreline.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his name to the Berean Bible Church / Youth Mission Fund, 2345 N 185th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155.
Mr. Meyers Kenn was a wonderful person and a wonderful teacher. He was an inspiration and a living light every time I was ever in his presence. I had him in high school and taught with him until 1996 at Highline. Now that I have been back at Highline, I enjoyed seeing him when he substituted. I have always spoken of him as Mr. Meyers because of the respect I had for him, I could never bring myself to call him Kenn. God bless you and I pray for His peace and comfort for you. Know that you are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Lisha Johnson
I never had Mr. Myers for a teacher at Highline. Quite frankly, I heard he was pretty “tough” and unfortunately, I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about doing any in-depth analysis of the great American novel. As a baseball player/fanatic, I enjoyed one of my best years, if not my best, under Coach Myers. His enthusiasm, his genuine interest in “me” as a person and one slight tweak to my batting stance made all the difference in the world. I still have a great memory about playing for him that year. In school, I also remember him spending a lot of time with all types of students…the smart ones and the not so smart ones. I now know, he was probably “making a difference” to those kids. Upon reflection, I think I missed out by not having Mr. Myers as one of my English teachers.
Kenn Myers was my favorite all time teacher. He inspired me in many ways. He was truly a classy person. His character and integrity shown through. I was his student at Highline High School 1961-63 era. I was thrilled to see him at a recent class reunion. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. I offer my deepest condolences to his family.
Mr Myers taught me about life as well as English.His love for Jesus,his love and genuine caring for me and every one of his students was truly a blessing and joy.His love of learning instilled within me a love and passion to learn all my life! I am glad and deeply grateful for his friendship and all he taught me and that he was part of my life.
Mr.Myers taught with a passion that ignited his students. He taught us about life and how to live every minute to the fullest.He made a powerful impact on my life and then both of my children’s lives. Rest in Peace.
Bev Walser HHS Class of ’62
The passing of Mr. Kenn Myers, my Highline High School English teacher, is a tremendous personal loss. He became a dear friend who was unique and irreplaceable in my life. I will be forever grateful to him for teaching me how to write, which helped me to become employed as a writer for former Governor Dan Evans. Mr. Myers also inspired me to live fully and meaningfully. He will be remembered as one of the finest and most delightful people that I have ever known.
To my dear Uncle Kenny. You will be sorely missed by those who loved you dearly, even though distance prevented us from spending more time together. I fondly remember all the fun times we had visiting you, Auntie Doris and Scott, Brent & Kent in Seattle. To this day, I still ”love” to eat my lima beans!! Please say hello and give a big hug to my Dad for me and I’ll be seeing the two of you in heaven one day. My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to my aunt and cousins and may God envelope you all in His warm embrace during this sad time.
Much love & God’s richest blessings.
Judy
One can only aspire in life to be as kind, compassionate and gentle as this great man was to everyone that he touched. He will be missed dearly. I know that me personally, my family and his family of Northwest Baseball Umpires Association Members are better people because we were able to be touched by his caring heart and warm smile.
Kenn was not only a great teacher, he was a super umpire as well. I umpired with Kenn fo 23 years and enjoyed every game. It didn’t matter what level it was, he gave each game his best. I was privileged to award him the Umpire of the year award in the early 90’s. He was surprised, but none of us were. I recall one of my earlier games with Kenn, after the game we would always ask our partners if they had any advise on how we could improve our game skills. I’ll NEVER forget Kenn telling me ” it’s not two away, or two outs….the correct english would be THE OUTS ARE TWO! Kenn also was an usher for me at Husky games, I can’t believe how many people would come thru his tunnel and and rave how ”Mr. Myers” still looked just as young and handsome as ever. He was truly a fine man, and a workaholic. So my dear friend Kenn, we’ll all miss you, and forever….the outs are two!
Brian Gooch
What memories!! First of all, Kenn married Don his brother and I. We had a great time in Rivers, Edmonton, Montreal. Kids and all. Such fond memories and lots of laughs. We will all meet again someday where there will be no more tears or sickness. Love and God’s blessing on you Doris and all the family. Love you all, Gladie, and Auntie Gladys xoxoxox
Mr. Myers was my Honors English teacher during my senior year at Highline, 1966-67. I remember especially the spirited discussions we had about nearly everything and how my friend Kristine and I would hang out after class so we could continue talking. Although I never saw him after graduation, I thought of him often. I went on to major in English and today am teaching reading and writing to Middle School learning disabled students. I know I owe my love of literature, especially Shakespeare, to Mr. Myers. Rest in peace good soul.
Wonderful memories of a wonderful human being. Mr. Myers was my sixth-grade teacher at Lake Burien Elementary School, and I can still remember piling into his Nash for a ice cream reward in honor of a perfect spelling test. He was always so accessible and caring as a teacher.
How thrilled I was that my older daughter was able to have him as a teacher when she attended Highline. This gave me the opportunity to reconnect with this worldy warrior. It was so like him to end his full-time teaching career with a quiet departure, but he would return to substitute. As he returned to the Highline District as a substitute, I began teaching at Highline. What pure joy it was to have him there. His bear hug when he saw me was the perfect way to start my day. I will always remember him spending his lunch hour reading his Bible and enjoying a lunch packed by Doris.
In all these years, I have never met his beloved Doris but feel as though I know her – Kenn adored his family, talked about them often and would shine as he showed their pictures. Kenn substituted for others, but there is absolutely NO substitute for him. What an earthly loss and heavenly gain.
Thankful for his life,
Nanci Yarno Leonard
To the only Grandpa that I knew! Thanks for making english easy to understand… even if the phone conversations lasted for hours!!
I will always remember your big smile and bear-like hugs. Also, I will make sure I stand up stright!
When ever I dance, I know that you are sitting in the best seat in the house… Heaven. Make sure you save me a seat!! Thanks for everything!
I will miss you so much, I can’t wait to see you again.
I love you!
Always,
Maddy
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Myers was one of the best teachers I ever had; he made a real difference in my life, who I am and what I became. His passing is a loss to all of the Highline family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robin H. Trenbeath, Class of 1963
I first knew you as Coach Myers, then as Mr. Myers, the English teacher,and finally as, upon your insistance, Kenn Myers, my friend. The fear I had of you as an unconfident student sitting in both your Shakespeare and English Comp. classes at Highline High soon turned to respect and admiration. You taught more than classroom lessons. As in your coaching, you had a tremendous gift of communicating without prejudgement. It didn’t matter where students started from, just where we wanted to go. You touched thousand of lives, altering and shaping us in ways you never knew but hope you did. For that we are eternally grateful. After graduation in 1972, I went on to the UW, eventually becoming a dentist. For over twenty years I’ve been a statistician for the Huskies football team, the Seahawks and, more recently, the UW men and women’s basketball teams. To my surprise, I reunited with you as you ushered all those events. I will miss bringing you coffee before games, ‘my friend’, and talking about sports, family and life. I’m forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know you, not as just a coach or a teacher, but as ‘Kenn’ the wonderful person you were. I will always treasure our ‘pregame talks’. I have gained from knowing you, now, I grieve for my loss. You will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for being so unselfish, for taking time to help those in need and for making everyone feel special and unique. What a gift! Rest in peace Kenn. I’m looking forward to seeing you again…in the meantime, I’ll work on my English.
Kenn and his total life commitment to our Lord has had a great impact on our family. His wisdom and teachings have shaped our faith and walk with the Lord. Our concolences for the entire Myers family as Kenn has gone home to be with his family in heaven.
Dearest Doris & Family, our hearts are deeply touched by the death of Ken. He will be remembered and missed! We praise God along with you & so many others that he is with the Lord and all those who passed on before him. What a special welcoming reunion & homecoming he must be enjoying! Ken touched so many lives, ours included. We loved his smile, laugh, humor, kindness,his witness for the Lord, his dedication to his God, family & career. He left his legacy, mark & impact upon so many during the time on earth, no one could ever forget him and each one of us who had the privilege of knowing him have a treasured gift he left behind. We loved him! We love each one of you, his family and know you must be grieving & missing him more than one can imagine, but may the promises of God sustain and keep you each day with the reminder that God will always be with you & will never leave you & one day you will see Ken again & so will we! What a glorious day that will be! Our prayers are with you & so are our deepest thoughts.
With the God’s Love & Ours,
Dorothy & Moose Clausen
Numbers 6:24-26 ”The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
I have never forgotten ‘Mr. Myers’.What a joy to have such a wonderful teacher and person teaching the very subject I loved best. My heart goes out to you all. A truly wonderful human being is now sharing his stories in heaven. Best regards, Merri Kuehn Berg..sophmore class ’66
It was with great sadness that I read of Mr. Myers’ passing. I had Mr. Myers as an English teacher nearly 30 years ago at Highline High School, and still remember him as the best and toughest! teacher I ever had.
School came easily for me, but Mr. Myers always encouraged me to challenge myself, to go beyond what was easy and comfortable. He is the one of the few teachers who went out of his way not only to help us be successful in high school, but to prepare us for the rigors of college. I owe much of my success at the University of Washington and my career to the discipline he helped instill in me.
I now have children of my own in middle school, and have often told them the story of the teacher who inspired me to greater things. When they complain about tough teachers, I tell them that they’re the ones they’ll appreciate most someday.
I know there are hundreds of students over the years whose lives he touched, and I wanted to be sure that his family understands that there are those of us who still feel his touch all these years later.
Kenn was the single most influential person during my high school years at Highline, 1972-1975. I was training as a competitive ice skater and he and I would go to the rink and skate and talk. In school he challenged my mind intellectually, and helped me question and formulate my own spiritual and religous beliefs which lead me to a strong testimony of the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will be eternally grateful for the influence of Kenn Myers in my life.
Eva Doherty Gremmert
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Myers’ passing. I am one of the thousands of students he taught over the years, and after graduation I had no further contact with him or my other teachers. Two weeks ago I attended my 30th high school reunion and when talking about our teachers I mentioned to a Highline classmate that Mr. Myers was the best teacher I ever had. He had that ability to push students very hard, and yet be totally encouraging at the same time. It was obvious that he cared very deeply about his students. What I remember most was the positive countenance that he exuded. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He has gone on ahead of us to a far better place.
You learn a lot about a person standing next to them in a windy tunnel, for 7 hours a shift, over many years. I had the honor to meet and spend many a weekend with Kenn in tunnel 22 of Husky Stadium. You can work with someone at a job for many years and never really get the chance to talk with them, or know who they really are. But I was lucky because over the years Kenn & I had the opportunity to open up to each other about all kinds of topics in tunnel 22. Those experiences provided me with insights into a truly fascinating gentleman, and for me, that cemented a bond I will never forget.
As I reflect on our time together it wasn’t always about the conversations that helped define Kenn it was the reaction of people that randomly and frequently would stop by to see Kenn, and his reaction back to them. Students and past players on teams he coached, of all ages, would stop by to give Kenn a big hug and go out of their way to explain to me Kenn’s passion for teaching and how Kenn influenced them as their teacher or their coach…he would smile in an embarrassed but proud way.
I most enjoyed watching Kenn’s reaction when the family stopped by. Through his actions and especially what he said about all his kids, his grandchildren and his wife made it completely clear to me just how much he loved and was proud of his entire family. I could clearly see Kenn’s positive influence on everyone that came to see him and came to be with him in tunnel 22 over the years…and that influence definitely includes me.
At Saturday’s Husky game, not once did anyone ever look at me, shake their head with disgust and tell me they should have run the ball off tackle…That was Kenn favorite play…at least when it worked.
Tunnel 22 will never be the same…and as a result of my experiences with Kenn, neither will I.
I was introduced to Mr. Myers through my dad at a Husky basketball game a few years ago. Mr. Myers taught my dad when he was in high school. The very first time I shook his hand, his kindness and caring for people immediately showed me why my dad spoke so highly of him. Right now, I attend Washington State University but periodically go back home to work some games for the University of Washington. I would see Mr. Myers working these games and he always greeted me with the warmest smile, handshake, and hug that anyone could give. He would always take time to make sure that everything was going well and to see what I had been up to since the last time I had seen him. Many times when I call home to see how my family is doing, my dad often tells me that Mr. Myers has asked how I am. This man’s kindness and care for everyone he meets has inspired me to become more like him. Mr. Myers…you will be dearly missed.
Kenn Mr. Myers is responsible for one of my most cherished memories of a learning experience. To emphasize the inappropirateness of the word ”irregardless” he began a chant of ”without regard without” in the class that culminated with him standing on his desk leading the entire class. I still remember him in his 3-piece, dark blue suit acting like a college cheerleader. I wonder if anyone in that class can think of the word ”irregardless” without remembering him.
He helped me in many other ways as well.
The world could use many more teachers and men like him.
Bill Hibler
Class of ’63
Ken will be missed immensely by all those that he has touched. It was a great honor to umpire with him over the past 12 years and also work with him at QWEST FIELD the past few years. I will miss Ken’s smile and quick wit. Take care good buddy and I will see you on the baseball diamond in heaven!
Doris and family,
My first memory of Ken was…..fear. Not in a bad way – but the way a tough coach keeps command of his team. But as I grew up and went through tumultuous teen years Ken and I became friends. Ken spoke thoughtfully as a mentor and friend to me when it really mattered. I was re-planting my spiritual roots and he offered good counsel to me in that time. I remember every time I walked by that second row Ken had a hug for me….God bless him for that tears now.
One of the things I liked about that time was that Ken would never give me advice – he operated in the Socratic style of teaching. Lots of questions designed to move me towards the answer in my own mind. He taught me things that I pastor with today.
Doris – you and your family have been a blessing to me for many years. When your the ”little guy” growing up as silly as it sounds, it was meaningful to me that those ”big Myers boys” were willing to be my friends. Scott and I speak with some regularity and I consider him a close friend.
I know this time is difficult – but know that your husband FINISHED WELL!!
Blessings,
Don Hallworth
To the Myers Family:
Thank you for having shared Mr. Myers with the rest of the students who were privileged enough to be educated and coached by Mr. Myers. I was ever so fortunate to have had that privilege. The academic skills that he taught me continues to help me in my personal and professional life. Although I do not work in liberal arts field, every literary and English-writing skills that I learned from Mr. Myers is integrated in my corporate life. Without Mr. Myers’ perspective, I would not appreciate Shakespeare’s work at the level that I do today. He reached out and coached his students on every level. When I give a presentation nowadays, I can still see him coming up from his teaching podium to remind me to flex my tone and pitch. ”Emphasize the words that you think is important,” he’d tell me.
And I know not to tell someone they ”look great.”
”Look Great? Are you saying I look too big? I just stepped on the scale today and I was fine.” responded Mr. Myers.
”Uh, you look good, Mr. Myers.”
”Then do I look good just today?” questioned Mr. Myers.
”You look especially nice today in your jacket, Mr. Myers.”
The details he’d put into his coaching goes beyond the 12th grade AP class, as you can see. Now I give people a hard time if they tell me I look great!
The most important lesson that he taught us was to walk the talk. He shared with the class one story when he told his mother that he loved her. Maybe to get a cookie? The details are fuzzy for me. Net, he shared that she said, ”Kenneth, don’t tell me. Show me,” still lingers in my mind.
And don’t think that I don’t tell my son the same expression now!
Mr. Myers will be missed, but he will always be in our thoughts and our minds.
How does the youngest of three sons compose a tribute to a father that provided a Foundation, Family Fun, and my Future?
As can be read in the many tributes, my father has impacted so many more people that I ever imagined. You can truly measure a man by the breadth of his impact. He touch young and old, former students, teaching colleagues, neighbors, but most importantly, his sons.
My father was a man of deep convictions and principles, founded on the Word of God The Bible. He read it daily, and lived it out continuously. His strong hand, yet soft heart is an example for all men to follow as each one learns to love his wife and children, and provide for their future. Dad never expected anything from anyone that he himself did not demand from himself. Dad was selfless, and sacrificed much for us
As Dad reached retirement although he continued to substitue teach through last year, his hugs became tighter, longer, and more emotional. The same love he provided his sons was given to nine grandchildren 5 girls and 4 boys. My children will forever remember Grandpa and his testimony for Jesus Christ.
Dad, the ”Termite” will miss you more than word can express, but in God’s time, I WILL hug you again. Heaven will be our next reunion.
What a wonderful man your husband, father, grandfather was. I was sorry to hear about Kenn’s passing. I remember Kenn from the baseball days on the field doing a great job umpiring. I have had several occations being around him as a player and then coach. He was one of this umpires that you felt good about having work your game. The best umpires are the ones you never know are there, but the game is in total control. He brightened my day when I was able to see him. He will be missed, but he lived a great life. Please celebrate his life the way he would hope you will. God bless….Mike Lentz, Kirkland/WA.
Mr. Myers was a teacher of mine during my Senior year of high school c/o 1984. He had a big impact on me. It meant a lot to me to have another man that I respected be so open about his faith in Jesus. After getting a BS and MS from Stanford, I worked as an engineer for a few years and a high school teacher for seven years. I am now working as the Minister of Community Outreach at a church in San Francisco. I remember Mr. Myers well. I remember that he was in the RCAF and played hockey. I remember why he spelled his name differently than mine. I remember a great prank that Mr. Myers and I played on the rest of my Honors English class. I also remember having Mr. and Mrs. Myers over to my house for dinner with a few other classmates. I only saw Mr. Myers once after high school. I made a brief visit during my freshman year of college. After that year, my parents moved away from Seattle and I haven’t been back very much. I will continue to remember Mr. Myers fondly.
Mr. Myers was my AP Lit teacher my senior year 93-94. I was just talking about him two weeks ago to some friends when the subject came up of the high schools we attended and the teachers we had. I told them there was one who was not only an amazing teacher, but one of the most incredible men I’d ever met. His mere presence commanded respect, and we would hang on every word he said. I thought every guy in the world should have to take a Mr. Myers class to learn basic manners and how to treat a girl like a lady. He spoke of his sons and their families with such love and pride, and he was always telling us about how wonderful his bride was. I remember that he called her his bride. I found that so touching. He was such a Godly man, and it inspired me to be a better Christian. He was so much more than a teacher to me. I’ve had lots of teachers whose names I don’t remember. Mr. Myers taught us lessons that have influenced my life. So much so that eleven years out of high school I still tell people about him. My heart goes out to his bride, his sons and their families. Anyone who knew him for just a short time, knew how much he loved all of you. May the Lord comfort you all during such a sad time. Mr. Myers, thank you for the lessons you taught. I know I’ll see you again in Heaven.
To my much loved & missed Uncle Kenn!! You were always such an inspiration and example to me. Thank you for all your support over the years & the caring you showed to both myself and my son Trevor who thought of you as his second dad after his gampa, your brother Don! I will never forget the look on your face driving the ruts to my house in your Lincoln wondering if your car would ever be the same again! Oh, my poor shocks! You were always so complimentary on my cooking Doris get the recipe!!. The letter you sent me after my dad’s death truly helped me understand God’s plan for our lives even when I thought the grieving would never end! Although I am grieving for you too, I reread your letter & know Silver Fox!, you have already given a huge hug to Old Grey Eyes Moose my Dad! Just know that I WILL see you again in heaven! To Auntie Doris & my cousins & families, I will pray that God keeps you strong through this difficult time!
Love, Your Niece & Cousin
Karyn
My Grandpa was a great man!!! Although most of my friends were scared of him. I had the blessing of being apart of his family. He was intense man but once you huged him he became a teddy bear! Also being ninteen you also come up with some very interesting words. Whenever he would ask my how I was, sometimes I would say cool-and he would say something like ”I know its cool outside”-or ”do you need a jacket.” Whenever I called he always knew what to say to make me smile and brighten my day.
We also talked alot about sports, the Huskies football or basketball teams-or wherever Uncle Beef was at the time. I will miss the talks-he was a very smart man when it came to life, sports, English, and God theology in general-he taught me alot of things–like how to swing a baseball bat boxed nuckles
The best thing he did for me was he showed me what being a Christian truly meant. He talked about his faith but he also lived it. He was a living example of a true man of God!!!
I will truly miss him-but all I got to think of is him in heaven partying and dancing, and it just brings a smile to my face. I look forward to seeing you again–but until then I will work on my vocabulary!
Cool
Hey there, Mr. Myers:
I wish I would have known you had passed and been able to go to your funeral. I understand now that having character and being one are different. I worked hard to “imitate the sun”. You’d be proud of me. You wouldn’t recommend me for Harvard but I went to a military technical school that was better for my character. I get it. The school I went to was rated in a major publication as ‘as difficult as Harvard Business School, but in half the amount of time’.
These comments are informal. I know my punctuation is off, but it’s late and I just found your obituary. I still remember every single bit of Shakespeare you had me memorize.
You live on. In my heart. I have done better in life because of you. Thank you for believing in me, but simultaneously not putting up with my uncertainty and nonsense.