Kenneth Edward Whalen
September 18, 1927 – July 13, 2016
Born in So. Seattle to Agnes Model and Edward Francis Whalen. Graduated Cascade Grade School in 1942, graduated Broadway High School in 1946.
Spent 6 years in the US Coast Guard as a radioman. Returned to Seattle and graduated from University of Washington in 1958 with degree in civil engineering.
Met Emily MacDonald in Westport in 1947 and married January 14, 1956. Worked as a Civil Engineer for the Washington State Dept of Transportation 1958 to 1985, when he retired.
Did septic designs and home inspections between 1985 and 2007, before they moved to Olympia, to be close to their daughter, Kathleen. Ken enjoyed living on the Cedar River, DIY projects, camping, and hunting.
Ken & Emily were married over 60 years and traveled throughout the US, Canada, Turkey, Greece, Caribbean and Hawaii.
They raised two beautiful daughters, Kathleen Shannon Whalen (Lacey, WA) and Candace Louise Knight (deceased). He had five grandchildren, Dusten (Robin) Jacobs, Shannon (Mike) Twiss, Shane (Diana) Rankin, Shawn (Faith) Moline, and Brian (Jenni) Whalen-Woolard. Ken had five great grandkids, Brooke Twiss, Olivia Rankin, Ivy Woolard, Ryan and Hannah Moline.
At his request, no services will be held. Remembrances may be made to Providence Hospice Care.
