Kenneth G. “Ken” Hill, 59, of Richland, WA, died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, in Sunnyside, WA.

Ken was born September 7, 1942, in Hydro, Oklahoma and moved to Yakima, WA in 1945.  He was raised and educated in Yakima and graduated from A. C. Davis High School in 1960.  He attended Evangel College and Central Bible College in Springfield, MO from 1960 – 1965.

Ken married Karen Tuttle August 21, 1964.  Ken began his dream of self-employment in the wholesale and retail clothing business throughout Missouri from 1964 – 1990.  In 1990, they moved back to Yakima, WA and Ken worked as Family Service Counselor for West Hills Memorial Park in Yakima; then at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, WA; again at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland; finally as General Manager at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA.  He was a member of Faith Assembly Christian Center, Pasco, WA.

Ken was an avid reader – he loved to go to the library and bookstores, browsing for anything from Christian and inspirational books to sales, financial, autobiographies, and some novels.  He also loved baseball and in his youth, played on the high school team.  He had the potential to become a professional pitcher.

His most treasured moments were always spent with his family.  And as the perfect example of what a husband and father should be,  he would sacrifice his own life for them to make sure they were taken care of.

Ken was a behind the scenes server of Christ, and it was evident in many ways, but especially through his compassion for those in need.  He enjoyed giving what he could whether through employment in his business, actual monetary help, counseling or just taking a homeless person for a meal.

He was the kindest, most gentle tender-hearted man we will ever have the honor of knowing and loving in this life.

Ken is survived by his wife, Karen Hill; daughters, Kelli Best and husband, Bill, of Findlay, OH, Krysta Barker and husband, Mark, of Pasco, WA; mother, Wilma Hill of Yakima, WA; father, C. L. Hill of Yakima, WA; brother, Gary Hill and wife, Margie, of Yakima, WA; grandchildren, Ashlee Best, Paige Best, and Madison Barker; nieces and nephews, Rick Hill, Richelle Leslie, Zak Hill, Ronda Mills, Russ Tuttle, Michelle Harris, and Jeremy Wardle; mother and father-in-law, Dolores and Carol Tuttle; brother-in-law, Ron Tuttle and wife, Barbara; sister-in-law, Kathy Wardle and husband, Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Lyde Hill, Benjamin and Naomi, Rowell; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2002, in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be at Einan’s from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 4.

Donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Faith Assembly Christian Center Building Program, 1800 Rd. 72, Pasco, WA 99301.