We honor the memory of Ken Kisch who passed away this month. Ken was the key person in the formation of PasstoPass with Bill. He answered the query Bill posted in the NW Parkinson’s weekly email about wanting to backpack with PD. Ken met Bill at the famed Burgermaster Drive-in at the Issaquah exit of I-90. A couple of hours of animated conversation about trails, the joy of the outdoors, possible group name, PD and the mechanics of how to promote the first hike from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass on the PCT and finding PD hikers resulted in a plan and then a name.
Ken and his friend, Frank Hagan, hiked the first two PasstoPass trails in 2016 and 2017. They were a model of how a friend supports a PD hiker and enjoy time together. Ken was a professional outdoor photographer and he carried cameras and gear to capture his passion. We daily enjoy his work displayed in our family home.
PasstoPass would not exist without the website Ken created with many of his stunning photos, his promotion of the hikes at the many support groups and events he attended in the broader Seattle area, his outreach to NWPF and Michael J Fox Foundation and the many detailed discussions he had with Bill.
When we became a non-profit, Ken was the first president. Ken kept in touch over the years by phone and even a visit to Spokane in 2022. Brian, who hiked with Ken in 2017 shared ” On our 2017 trip from Rainy Pass to the Suiattle river, I learned a ton about photography from Ken. He was so patient, teaching me about framing, backgrounds, etc. And I learned what Deer Moss is from Ken. I had no idea what it was before he told me and I have never forgotten that and I smile every time I see it, remembering Ken.”
Ken submitted a proposal for the WPC 2016 in Portland and we presented a poster of our first hike. We used the words of the hikers themselves to tell the story:
“Ken Kisch Sammamish, WA (2016, 2017) My favorite experience during the trail was the blueberries that Jo Ann picked for my morning oatmeal. Good company, good laughs, hard work, great scenery and even the dusty trail, all good. Stehekin was a mystical place of my dreams since childhood which finally became a reality.
Frank Hagan Issaquah, WA (2016, 2017) The real rock stars are the “parkies” who dealt with so many issues and still had the energy to help with the llamas as well as camp chores. One couldn’t ask for a better group. Brian‘s involvement was invaluable.”
May you rest in peace, Ken. We have photos and great memories about your enthusiasm, skill and love of life.
As a 1st timer PD hiker summer 25, we owe a big debt to all those before us, Sounds like shares the top of the list with Bill. Thanks for the details.
Patty and I have lots of hiking memories with Ken. Thank you Ken for your life well lived. I will keep hiking and taking pictures thinking of you. My love to Linda too.
Ken popped up at the same Parkinson’s support group meeting I was attending for the first time. We got to know each other through these meetings, and I learned a lot about Ken’s love for the outdoors. It was a pleasure getting to know Ken and Linda, though I never actually participated in the Pass To Pass. Rest easy, my friend.