Kenneth Eugene Sebens: 1941 – 2017

Ken Sebens passed away surrounded by his family and a dear friend at the age of 75 on June 5. Ken was born in Bellingham in 1941. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Hope College, Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

He spent the majority of his working life as a clinical social worker in Oak Harbor. Ken could quote verses from the Bible while repairing a leaky copper pipe or discuss the Great Books while re-roofing his house.

His hands were equally comfortable producing elegant penmanship with his robust collection of fountain pens as they were pouring a patio. Ken loved nothing more than his family and good, long conversations. He was a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He is preceded in death by his father Alger, mother Rena and sister Jan. Ken is survived by Susan, his wife of 44 years; sister Jayne and her son Jeremy; sons David (wife Sayuri) of Barrington, Ill., Thomas (Kimberly) of Plainfield, Ill., Justin (Haley) of Bellingham and Scott of Austin, Texas; and grandchildren Nicholas, Kai, Noah, Kaitlyn, Charlotte and Grant. A private memorial will be arranged by the family.

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Interview with God, author unknown. This was our Ken!