It is with great admiration that we respect the accomplishments of Kenneth A. Youngsman, born March 28, 1943 to Adrian and Henrietta Youngsman of Mount Vernon. His greatest attribute was the inspiration and support he bestowed upon those he loved. Ken graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1961. He then proudly served in Vietnam in the United States Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 9, the Navy SeaBees.

After serving his country, he went to work side by side with his father, Ade, in establishing Marine Construction & Dredging, Inc. They shared a strong work ethic and passion for marine related projects. Many people are familiar with the work produced by the company’s dredges “Skagit Bay,” “Shrimp,” and “Sand Piper” along with the work boats “Badger,” “Beaver,” and “Bear.”

Through Ken’s dedicated efforts, communities along the West Coast from Mexico to Alaska, as well as Hawaii enjoy these engineering improvements. Many dredging operations occurred locally in the Skagit River and Swinomish Channel. The development of the Twin Bridges Marina in Skagit County was a realization of a dream that displayed his perseverance. His most recent adventure as senior vice president and director of Nevada Operations with newly formed Western Airlines, allowed his skills in business and love of aviation to help the new company establish a foothold in the competitive airline industry. Ken was a lifelong resident of Skagit County and spent countless hours dedicating himself to improving the quality of life for all Skagit County residents. For these efforts, he will always be remembered as a pillar of the community he loved.

Ken is survived by his devoted family, who carry on his passion to truly embrace life: Maria Youngsman, his loving wife, residing in Pahrump, Nev., previously of LaConner; his children from his previous marriage to Jane Youngsman of Mount Vernon, daughter Alberta Dodds, her husband Ron, with grandchildren Chris and Brad of Burlington; son John Youngsman and fiancé, Cheryl Saavedra of Boise, Idaho; son David Youngsman, his wife Andrea, with grandchildren Alexandra and Amanda of Framingham, Mass. Ken is also survived by his older brother Jim, his wife Ruth, with nephews and nieces, Bill Youngsman, Susie Chapman, Pam Youngsman and Matt Youngsman, their respective families, and numerous relatives in Oak Harbor, Skagit County, and Island County. Ken loved his family and friends, and truly enjoyed seeing each strive to achieve their greatest potential.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ade and Henrietta Youngsman and most recently his lovely aunt Elsie Norlag of Oak Harbor.

Ken’s life will not be counted in years, but by his achievements. His true accomplishments are measured by the numerous people he influenced. His sense of humor, selfless generosity toward others, inspiration and loyalty have left us all with a challenge that we can only hope to achieve on our best of days. His greatest happiness came from seeing others overcome their personal struggles and persevere to accomplish great things. Many of us owe our own personal successes to his gift of support, love, and encouragement.

In addition to his passion for helping others, he loved his airplanes. Few things excited him more than the pleasure of taking to the skies. Although gone from our lives, Ken has gone home to his savior and remains forever a dedicated husband, father and friend in our hearts. To many of us, he will always represent an everlasting faith to stand up for what is right and to support those we love.

Viewing was held March 17 at Hawthorne Funeral Home. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at his childhood church, First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon, followed by a luncheon and a Graveside Service at Fir Crest Cemetery in Oak Harbor with full military honors.

Please share your thoughts of Ken and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefuneralhm.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E College Way, Mount Vernon.