Kenneth L. "Ken" Blayden

Kenneth L. "Ken" Blayden of Augusta, MI









Ken, age 79, died Tuesday evening, June 24, 2014 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, Battle Creek, MI, following a lengthy illness and surrounded by his loving family.


Ken, the son of Lyle and Gwenydd (MacKenzie) Blayden, was born on June 26, 1934 in Spokane, WA and the family moved to the Richland, MI area in 1966 from Grand Rapids, MI. Gwenydd sadly passed in 1944 and he was raised by Arline (Senior) Blayden throughout the majority of his childhood. He graduated from Rockford (MI) High School in 1952 and from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Engineering. Ken served his country in the United States Army as a Captain and was stationed in Fort Bliss, TX during his service time. He retired 1992 after 25 years of service at The Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, MI as an Instrument Engineer. Ken was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Grand Rapids.


Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Coleen J. Crooks on July 9, 1955 in Grand Rapids, MI. He had many interests and hobbies including attaining his pilot's license; leather working; wood working and reading. Ken and Coleen spent many hours in the saddle on their horses and on trips out West. They also enjoyed sailing, especially on Lake Michigan in the Pentwater area, where they spent the summers at their lakeside cottage surrounded by many loving friends. In the winter, Ken would hit the slopes, traveling the United States earning many trophies on the way. Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Coleen; two daughters, Laura M. Rantz of Kalamazoo and Sandra L. Blayden of Bigfork, MT; his son, Scott A. Blayden of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, Stephanie (Jacob) Davidson, Garrett Rantz, Gavin Rantz and Hudson "Mac" Blayden and his brother, Lee (Toni) Blayden of New Kensington, PA. Ken was preceded in death by his parents.


The Memorial Service to celebrate Ken's life will be held on Tuesday, July 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland (49083), with the Rev. Dr. Mona K. Joslyn, Pastor, officiating. The United States Army Honor Guard will bestow military honors at the Church. Final interment will be in Bedford (MI) Cemetery. Ken's life celebration will continue at The Dock at Bayview, 12504 East D Avenue, Richland, immediately following the Service for a time of fellowship and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken's honor may be directed to the Church or the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, 5470 Glen Cross Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is in charge of all the arrangements.