A Brotherly Father: Reflections on Br. Ken, Sr.&#039;s Life &amp; Legacy

September 26, 2020

Once my father had also become my (religious) Brother, he and I used to go out for a very inexpensive breakfast every Thursday morning. Much of our conversation was about the early days of our family life together. For me it was an amazing gift to be able to ask any questions in regards to all of the ups and downs of our family. My father was incredibly open and humble in the way he shared about times of struggle and times of joy in our family life. I grew in immense respect for the way that he and my mother
poured their lives out for me and my four other siblings. I will be forever grateful for the life my parents provided for me and the years that I shared with my father who became my Brother! - Br. Ken, Jr.

After his wife died, it would have been more “reasonable” and certainly more comfortable for Ken Sr. to have “rested on his laurels” as a successful businessman, father and grandfather. Yet, feeling the prompting of the Lord he chose instead to pursue life as a consecrated man. He then gave himself over wholeheartedly to the life of the Brotherhood. - Fr. Paul

Br. Ken did not shy away from challenging the men we worked with, but it flowed out of a deep love for them and a desire to have them come to know the love of Jesus as Ken did. - Br. Stephen

My favorite thing I heard Ken say once when someone was in awe of his life was this: “Don’t be amazed at my vocation - I’ve already lived my life, and this second vocation is God’s gift to me. Be amazed at the younger Brothers – they gave up their whole lives, everything for the Lord.” I continue to pray for Ken’s intercession, but it is not with the address accorded the saints. I address him in the way I knew him, as an older brother and friend. My prayer simply is: “Help me out, pal....” - Br. Ted

I lived with Br. Ken for eight years, from 1997 to 2005. I miss him and I loved living life with him! He had a great sense of humor and was an excellent storyteller. His main pulpit to preach was often the kitchen. He was an outstanding evangelist and had a real heart for men. - Br. Jason

Br. Ken was an outgoing man and had a huge heart. He was an excellent cook and often spearheaded Thanksgiving turkey along with his ginger ale baste. We miss him, but his presence still lives in our life through the great memories and his evangelistic work. - Br. Jude

There are longtime friends of the Brotherhood who still get emotional when his name is mentioned. There was an authenticity to Ken Sr. that was magnetic. I think when God called him home, Ken was ready to let go. It’s a testament to his quality and character that nobody else was. - Br. Sam

As the first Brother to face death in confidence, he continues to influence us with his intercession during our own trials on earth. Without a doubt, we look forward to being raised to perfect brotherhood and joy with Br. Ken in eternal glory! - Br. Rahl