Kenneth Moore, or “Kenny” as he was known growing up, left the mortal world behind on May 22, 2021 at his home in Seattle after a valiant 21-month fight with brain cancer. Ken filled his life of 52 years with wonder, adventure, creativity and a compassion for others. A day with Ken was always a day of possibility. One of his secret superpowers was his ability to support and propel others around him into becoming their best selves by being a true collaborator and enthusiastic supporter. He often went above and beyond when working on projects and giving gifts. His wife called it “Ken Moore-ing it up.”
Creativity and wonder radiated throughout his life with his best “works of art” being daughter Sidney, 11 and son, Calvin, 8. While he poured himself into many endeavors, these two lights of his life enjoyed a childhood filled with spontaneous adventures and a dad who could see the world with infinite possibilities. From making epic couch & blanket forts, to planning elaborate scavenger hunts with riddles, to searching for dragonflies in Magnusson Park, to involved bedtime rituals with made-up catch phrases, to teaching them to mix chocolate chip cookie dough with their hands, Ken’s kid-like curiosity and eagerness made time with them magical. But more than anything, he loved them beyond measure and wanted his kids to be compassionate humans who helped others.
Music played a big role in his life. Ken started learning piano at the age of 8, then moved on to drums and guitar. He notably collaborated with childhood friend Billy Mallery in talent shows & experimental works that served them later when he assisted Billy on drums with a musical score for a national commercial that was ultimately used for the final aired version. With college band friends Dave Purnell and Charly Grogan, he emulated their favorite Progressive rock bands like Rush and (early) Genesis and even staged a reunion basement jam in 2012. In recent years, he sought to master the Theremin with virtual lessons from German musician Carolina Eyck. He came by his multi-instrument musicianship in a family of musical and performance talents, most notably his late maternal grandmother Teresa Richardson, whose piano pieces were played by his bedside during his final days. His interest in music, art and computer science combined into many forms. He loved to invent things included wiring up some gloves with lights and hacking a Wii Controller to turn it into a virtual Theremin.
Born in Washington DC, he grew up in Bowie Maryland and later moved to Salisbury Maryland where he spent most of his formative years with his mother, step-father, middle brother and three step-siblings. Renowned for finding high adventure on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, teenaged-Ken planned heist-level train rides with his friends Billy & Frank where they would jump onto moving freight trains while pretending to be “00” agents. After graduating from Bennett High School, he attended Virginia Tech to study computer science and math. During a semester abroad in Finland, he joined a local samba band that performed on a cruise ship sailing between Finland & Russia. After graduating, he traveled around Australia for six months, finding day work at some of the local mango farms. From that point, he always knew how to pick a good mango at the grocery store.
For his career, Ken wanted to combine his love of computers and his love of music and art but he first had to navigate other computer-related jobs in both the DC area and southern California. He finally got an offer at a music education software company which brought him to the Seattle area. His next role as Program Manager at the streaming media company RealNetworks provided him his first foray into visual design. Then after a brief stint as a consultant, Ken joined Adobe to work on their Creative Suite and Photoshop tools. He finally moved on to Google where he stayed for 14 years. He vastly expanded his technical and design skillsets, worked with talented international teams, created a handful of patents and met some incredible colleagues and friends.
Ken held a fondness for the Eastern Shore. He loved running in the hot, humid weather during summer visits, swimming in the warm Atlantic Ocean waters, seeing the fireflies come out at dusk, eating blue crabs on tables covered in newspaper, butter bowls & Old Bay Spice and reconnecting with friends & family. Yet Seattle was where he met and married first wife Kelley (Smith) Moore in 1999 but amicably divorced in 2003. Later he met his current wife and love “accomplice” Kali while working at RealNetworks during a usability study in late 2003. Ken impressed Kali very early in their courtship by making the most elaborate, colorful and immaculate fruit salad anyone has ever seen at a potluck brunch. The attention to detail, element of surprise and level of quality & thoughtfulness exemplified what Ken brought to their relationship. He proposed to her during a 2004 trip to Italy and they married at an Oregon vineyard in 2005.
In 2010, upon moving to his final home in Ballard, Ken was thrilled to discover the crown jewel of the backyard was a 60-year-old Adriatic Fig Tree that bountifully supplied figs each summer. He worked tirelessly, year after year to defend the fig tree from all manner of creatures who wanted to eat HIS figs. The backyard became a giant science project with cameras, cords, mini computers, a retrofitted leaf blower and a custom made “wacky wavy” nylon attachment to produce the ultimate in homemade bird and squirrel scaring technology, lovingly known as the Quadrapus. He gained many fig fans in friends, coworkers and neighbors and would hand out bags of figs during harvest. The yield was still plentiful enough to can many jars of fig jam still in the garage today.
Despite his mild-mannered demeanor, Ken loved thrill-seeking endeavors and physical challenge. He was a guy who would drive along I-90 into the foothills of the Cascades, pull off the road and start climbing where there was no trail. He called it “Mountain Attack” and only once did it result in having to dispatch King County Search and Rescue to come get him. Loving wind in his face and moving at high speed, Ken took up skydiving, paragliding and hang gliding in his young adult life, all the while riding a zippy Honda motorcycle about town. He shared this love of motorcycles with his brothers and they embarked on some notable road trips in Arizona and West Virginia together. When Kali wanted to do something extraordinary for her 40th birthday, they flew to the other side of the planet to go shark diving in South Africa and Ken was naturally all in. Upon turning 40 himself, Ken decided to run the Portland marathon. He had to do many practice races leading up to the big event, including the clothing-optional Bare Buns Fun Run in Issaquah, WA. (The spectacle might have been what the ancient Greek Olympics looked like.) These experiences propelled him into a love of running that lead him to participate in many other events including the Seattle Marathon, when he turned 50 and, after his cancer diagnosis, the Run of Hope 5K benefiting Pediatric Brain Tumor Research. It was also at 50 that he discovered a passion for skateboarding. He dedicated early morning hours to arrive at nearby skatepark bowls before skaters half his age did and he attacked his new (though short-lived) hobby with gusto.
In the final years of his life, he became more outspoken about things he believed in and people he cared about. One such group were transgender people as he had worked with a few of them at Google and learned about their lived experiences. Not only did that affect how he designed software interfaces but it activated an empathy and desire to help in a bigger way. He became a fierce advocate, donor and trained in his final year to become a moderator for monthly support meetings. After his brain cancer diagnosis, he also became aware of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund and was deeply moved by the stories of the children and families affected. He considered himself lucky to have lived a full life and wanted to see these kids get a chance to have one as well. In a final gift and tribute, Ken requested to donate his body for study to the UW Medicine Research Lab in hopes that it might help improve brain cancer treatment for others and ultimately find a cure.
He is survived by his wife Kali Sakai and their children Sidney and Calvin Moore; mother and step-father, Joyce and Duke Shannahan; brothers Ed (Kay) and Michael (Mary) Moore; half-sister Kim Oot (Kris); step-siblings Susan (Michael) Alford, DJ (Cindy) Shannahan, Kelly (Tracy) Shannahan; uncle Jack (Christine) Richardson and a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins & longtime friends from around the world. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth E. Moore in 2004.
The family expresses appreciation to the Providence Hospice team and the Fedelta caregivers who compassionately assisted Ken and the family through the final weeks of his life.
Per Ken’s wishes, the family asks that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Ingersoll Gender Center (ingersollgendercenter.org) or to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund (pbtrf.org/donate).
In lieu of a service, we invite you to share your thoughts and favorite Ken photos, videos and/or stories on the Memory board here: https://tinyurl.com/5esz2p2n
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing father and husband. Surrounding Kali and family with love and prayers. God bless you today and always.
Kali, Sydney, Calvin, our deepest condolences. The remembrance of Ken made me smile with joy and appreciate Ken’s amazing perspective and impact on the world. What a phenomenal human.
We are more enriched for having had so many fun adventures over the years with Ken. Thank you for sharing him with us.
And thank you also for clarifying which version of Genesis was truly more inspiring. I stood firmly with Ken on that.
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man and a life well lived. I feel fortunate to have known Ken for a few short years. My deepest condolences Kali & family, keeping you in my thoughts.
The world is indeed a better place for the time Ken spent here. The man loved and lived with all his heart. I will miss him more than I can say… there is a Ken-shaped hole in my heart right now that will not be easy to fill. There have not been many people in my life that I count as truly good friends, but Ken was one right from the start. I had the pleasure of many years of fun and music and laughter with him and I will be forever grateful for every moment. Up to the last of his days, he was loved and cared for by the best friend he could have in Kali. I am so glad they found each other. Though I’m sad they no longer have each other’s company, I’m grateful Ken was loved and supported so well by Kali. My love and heart goes out to you, Kali, and the kids. Love you guys.
Wow. Just wow. Beautifully written. So proud to have been a friend to such an awesome dude. What a life. Wish I could have participated more in it especially with the many shared interests. A true renaissance man. A magical life attained through good living. Good on ya mate!
I feel lucky to have recently gotten to know Ken and his family as a neighbor and as a fellow bus commuter. Ken was a tremendously sweet and unselfish man who truly brightened my day each time I saw him. I will always have a smile on my face when I think about our times sharing edible backyard delights. That was a one sided exchange in my favor because the figs and jam were delectable labors of his love. I will also always truly appreciate his devotion to societal causes that he believed in. Ken‘s positive outlook and warmth will always stay with me. I only wish I had known him longer and better. My condolences and thoughts are with Ken‘s family and friends during this time of grief.
As always, beautiful words about an amazing human. I am grateful for Ken’s friendship, and I am forever grateful for the beautiful legacy he leaves behind in Sidney and Calvin. Sending you all love and hugs. xo
Kali, this is a wonderfully expressed tribute that tells the world what a magnificently varied, talented, and socially aware person Ken was.
Of course, I remember when you first brought him to the house in 2006. I asked him what was the first thing that attracted him to you. He began with a list of his observations from RealNetworks and then swooped you backwards in that icon World War II welcome home kiss and exclaimed, “And her beauty!”
As the gift of Ken to the world was without measure, his genius, wisdom, and joy of life have been an example of how to live.
Whoops – the kiss incident was before the marriage in 2003 or 2004!
What a wonderful life he lived. So much adventure and so much love. We are so sorry for your loss Kali. You are in our hearts and minds.
xoxo
What a beautiful remembrance of Ken. It does not surprise me at all that for every dozen things I knew about Ken and his life and his interests, there were a dozen more I didn’t. I will remember Ken’s genuine curiosity, and ability to stay intensely present in whatever topic you were discussing because he always wanted to learn more.
I remember meeting Ken early-ish in his relationship with Kali. I was wary, because if memory serves she had dated a couple of jerks before and we were rooting for her to find a good dude. It was clear how great they were together, and we treasure the memory of going to their beautiful wedding.
We’ll treasure the memories of the fun times getting together over the years. Even if it was maybe once a year, it was always like no time had passed when getting together with Ken, he was the type of friend where you just picked up where you left off.
And I’ll be forever jealous of his marathon time and Neil Diamond karaoke abilities.
What beautiful memories of a gifted, giving, and creative man who leaves this world a better place. Sincere condolences and love to you Kali, kids, Linda, and family. I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. 💕
Kali and family, Sidney and Calvin, sincerest condolences in the loss,of your Beloved husband and father. What an amazing man and packed full life of adventures, curiosity and love. My most favorite and fun wedding was yours and Ken’s at the vineyard. Beautiful bride and groom. May God bless you and comfort you at this very sad time.
Kali, Calvin, Sidney,
Our family sends you great big love. Ken was a spectacular light that walked on this earth! May stories and memories live in you and soothe you as you remember him. I appreciate the brief story of his life that you wrote. What a rich life and outstanding human being. We consider ourselves very lucky to have known Ken Moore!
Kali, Sydney, and Calvin, we are so sad for the loss of your loving, kind, and creative husband and father. Know that you, Linda and Cindy, and Ken’s family are in our hearts and thoughts as you weather this terrible loss. Ken was a remarkable person and lives on through all who’s lives he touched. The world is better for his having lived.
What a superlative tribute to a one-of-a-kind amazing person. Just look at all the ways Ken touched people! Over the 25+ years I knew Ken I can honestly say I never saw him angry or in a bad mood. Never. He had a unique way of finding everything interesting, and then embellishing the situation with quirky humor. Rare qualities. I can remember trading guitar songs at Ken’s apartment in Irvine, discussing pros and cons of his [possible] move from SoCal to Washington, touring around Seattle in FlexCars, attending amazing weddings, holding conversations in limerick form(!), trying my hands (literally) at the theremin, and having great visits with Kali and the kids. Today I spent hours reading old emails, looking through photos and watching videos . . . everything making me smile, which is how it will always be when I think of Ken. Rest in peace, my friend.
My deepest condolences to Ken’s fine family and the many others who are missing him.
Kali, Sydney, and Calvin my sincerest condolences go out to the three of you. May you always remember the amazing man Ken was and all the great memories you have of him.
Dear Kali,
Thank you for sharing the life story and adventures of Ken. How I wish I had known him and had the chance to enjoy the goodness the two of you and your two precious children created together! I will never forget the gorgeous wedding in Oregon and how clear it was that you two were so in love! I would love to reconnect with you and will hold you and your family in love! Carolyn
I met Ken a few years ago through my volunteer work for Ingersoll. We shared a passion for being allies for the transgender community – his because of what he had witnessed at work, and I because I have a family member in that community. He was so compassionate and caring! He was able to assist at Ingersoll for awhile and I loved that he was such a great listener for the participants…he gave of himself even though he was struggling with his health issues. I was blessed to have known Ken and I miss having him at our meetings. May God hold Ken tenderly and eternally,.. he is in my heart forever.
Kali, I’m so deeply saddened to hear this and hope you find some peace in this time of terrible loss. I’m sending my condolences and love to you and your family. Ken was kind, gently, funny, friendly, brilliant and creative. I feel really lucky to have known him.
Kali, The TAG Team sends heartfelt condolences and love during this tender time.
I loved working with Ken at Google, and loved reading this beautiful tribute to learn more about his many other facets. I will miss him!!!
I had a great time working with Ken at Google, and I am sad to have to read this tribute, but learning more about his life just reinforces what a great person and colleague he was.
I worked with Ken at Google too. His warmth and kindness and creative spirit (he was so excited to contribute to new ideas!) left a lasting positive impression on me and clearly so many others. This is a wonderful tribute to such a wonderful person.
I worked with Ken at Google. We travelled to China together for the product we were working on. He was one of the kindest, gentlest human beings I’ve met. I will never understand why the best of us leave so early. He will be missed by many.
Most often, we were able to see Ken over the winter holidays. His kind and curious spirit lead to happy conversations about work, music, and parenting. He was so very proud of his two beautiful children, and shared insights about each stage of their development. We always felt lucky to catch up and learn what had happened over the last year.
We are holding him in our memories today and sending love to Kali, Sidney, and Calvin.