Kenneth Ford Slade

In Loving Memory

Kenneth Ford Slade

10/30/1948 – 8/19/2022

Kenny and Valerie Slade

Kenneth Ford Slade, affectionately known as “Kenny” and “Poppy” to friends and family, passed peacefully on August nineteenth at the age of 73.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Valerie Slade; his children by marriage Eric Johnson, Alice Kirkwood, and Amanda Winn; and his sisters Dana Aker,  Meri Schuft and Kathy White.

Kenny was born in Newton, MA on October 30, 1948, where he experienced his childhood years with his parents and three sisters. He graduated Tau Beta Pi in Engineering from the University of Maine and made his way to Washington State for a career in Aeronautical Engineering. Kenny had a long and industrious career at Boeing, where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 2012.

Kenny was a devoted husband and life partner to Valerie, who he met in 1991 and married in 1994. The two met at AA and devoted years of service to helping others live and stay sober, sponsoring and helping many through his 31 years of sobriety. During their 31 years together, they shared many of the same passions: gardening, travel (particularly Italy and Hawaii), cooking, and generally any time together in sunshine!

While not having children of his own, he proudly carried the nickname “Poppy” to Valerie’s children and his many grandchildren. His quiet, mellow presence exuded calm, which was always welcome in the craziness that ensued at large family events.

Kenny was a great cook, he would frequently take the helm in the kitchen, executing with engineering efficiency – always delivering something amazingly wonderful for all to enjoy.

A master gardener, Kenny was his happiest in that special space – seeing all his hard work flourish and flower.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy, prayers and other acts of kindness during their period of bereavement.

A celebration of Kenny’s life is scheduled for 10/16/22 at 2:00pm at Heritage Hall, Kirkland Washington where we will share fond memories and stories amongst those he touched during his wonderful life. Please wear your favorite “Hawaiian Shirt” in honor of Kenny’s vast collection of tropical wear.

“God made a beauteous garden
With lovely flowers strown,
But one straight, narrow pathway
That was not overgrown.
And to this beauteous garden
He brought mankind to live,
And said “To you, my children,
These lovely flowers I give.
Prune ye my vines and fig trees,
With care my flowers tend,
But keep the pathway open
Your home is at the end.”

God’s Garden ― Robert Frost