Kenneth Beatty: September, 22, 1942 – December, 21, 2025

Kenneth Robert Beatty passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2025, at his home in Arlington, Washington. He was born in Santa Monica, California, on September 22, 1942, and lived a life defined by curiosity, generosity, humor, and an unwavering belief in love.

Ken grew up in Venice Beach, California, where he spent his youth body surfing and soaking in the rhythm of the ocean. As a teenager, he experienced incarceration, a period that proved formative rather than defining. During that time, a mentor introduced him to Chess. The discipline, strategy, and quiet focus of the game changed his life and became a lifelong passion. Chess later became something he shared generously with his children and grandchildren, using it as a way to teach patience, connection, and presence.

Ken and Marla met in 1971, and together they made a profound spiritual commitment, accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Their shared faith shaped the foundation of their life together. After starting a family, they moved to Whidbey Island, Washington, where Ken built a life rooted in family, creativity, and worship. Whidbey Island remained his home until 2021.

Ken had an enormous heart, especially for those he felt were in need. Even when he had little himself, he gave freely. He offered people a place to stay, a meal, a ride, a prayer, or simply his presence. To some, he could seem gruff at first glance, but those who knew him understood that beneath that exterior was a true softy with deep compassion for others.

An artist at heart, Ken sketched and painted wherever inspiration struck. Dinner napkins often became canvases, filled with drawings made in the middle of conversation. His art was closely tied to his spiritual life. He spent years studying the Bible, the Kabbalah, and other spiritual texts, translating his reflections on God, purpose, and the meaning of life into visual form. He believed that the meaning of life was love, and he lived in a way that reflected that belief.

Ken often returned to his favorite scripture, Psalm 23, verse 4, which captured both his faith and his lack of fear in the face of death: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”

Those words reflected how he lived and how he approached death. He spoke openly about it, believed it was not something to fear, and felt there was a grand adventure waiting beyond this life.

As a husband, father, and grandfather, Ken gave whatever he had. He was a caregiver to many of his grandchildren early in their lives and remained deeply connected to his family. Love was not something he spoke about abstractly. It showed up in how he lived and how he gave of himself, day after day.

Ken also had a wonderful sense of humor. He giggled to the very end, even when things were difficult. He passed peacefully, at home, as he hoped.Ken is survived by his wife, Marla Beatty; his son, Jonah Beatty; his daughters, Sarah Beatty and Melissa Beatty; and his eight grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Ken’s life will be held on January 24 at Calvary Chapel, 3821 French Rd. Clinton, WA 98236 at 1 pm. He would want those who loved him to celebrate his life, live fully in the present, love deeply, and not be afraid of death.