Kenneth Lloyd Rader Jr.

“Get your work done so you can go have some fun!”

Ken was born to Marilyn (Rendell) Rader and Kenneth Rader Sr. on March 13^th, 1957 in Brewster, WA and grew up in Bridgeport, WA as the oldest of four siblings. Growing up, Ken was your typical, small town country boy. He loved the outdoors: climbing trees, riding bicycles and motorbikes, running and playing. He also showed pigs in FFA for a number of years and ran track and played football. During his summers, he would work on the farms in town as well as a local store. Ken learned the value of hard work and having fun from a young age. As a young adult in the small town of Bridgeport, he and his many friends had to get creative to keep them busy. He mastered the art of the prank and brought levity to life from then on. 

He graduated high school in 1975. Soon after, , he joined the Ironworkers Local 14 union and spent 37 years on countless jobs all over the world: many states in the US, St. Lucia, England and more. In all of his projects and jobs, he always looked to make things better and get ahead. Later in his career, he was a foreman and led crews on his jobs. Ken was detailed, had high standards, and was a true friend on and off the job. He was a professional and took care of his people.

In 1982, Ken married Susan Simpson. In the 1980s, they lived in Canada, Colorado, California, and settled back in Washington and had their two children Cassidy and Delaney. In his adult years, his love for adventuring and getting people together carried him. From huge camp outs in Foggy Dew to big parties at home, Ken loved to have fun with his family and friends. 

In 2008, Ken married Katherine Golis and spent the next 10 years building a beautiful life together. They started a business in Benton City, WA, flipped multiple homes, and adventured together. They traveled all over the Pacific Northwest to camp, fish, pick huckleberries, and enjoy each other’s company. They made countless memories in their years together.

Ken is survived by his wife Katherine (Golis) Rader, his children Cassidy Simpson Rader and Delaney Simpson Rader, his parents Marilyn (Rendell) Rader and Kenneth Rader Sr., his sister Teresa Rader (Russ Smith), his brothers Michael Rader (Debby Sharp) and Gary Rader (Charlene Rader), and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Events at Sunset (915 ByPass Hwy in Richland) on Friday, April 6^th from 3-5pm with a celebration of life to follow at his home in Benton City. In lieu of flowers, Ken would love to support the conservation of the precious Pacific Northwest. Please consider donating to www.conservationnw.org.