I first met Ken when he was living and working in Kemmerer and was named an honorable mention in the Wyoming Arts Council’s creative writing fellowship competition. If I remember correctly, Ken received a WAC Individual Artist Professional Development grant back in the early 1990s to conduct research for a book about the Port Chicago (Calif.) disaster that happened in his hometown during World War II.
Ken was a fine writer who freely shared his expertise with writers all over the U.S. Last time I saw him was at a Wyoming Writers, Inc., conference, talking about his writing -- and giving writing and publishing advice to other writers.
Here’s a remembrance of Ken from his son Mike:
Ken "Media Man!" Rand "kicked the bucket," as he would say, April 21, 2009. Born July 19, 1946, in Spokane, WA, he lived in Port Chicago, CA and Wyoming. His final years were spent in West Jordan, UT, where he died peacefully at home with his family by his side.
Ken worked as a freelance writer, reporter, photographer, talk show host and producer, editor, actor, and announcer for sports events and daredevil shows.
Ken wrote more than a hundred short stories, two hundred humor columns, and
two dozen books. He's won numerous awards in writing, reporting, and photography, and mentored many budding writers.
His most rewarding role in life was being a dad and grandpa. He took his tads and grandtads on wonderful adventures and loved each one with all his heart. His children include Molly (Loren), Mike (Leslie), and Missy (Randy). Ken's grandchildren are Taylor, Kristin, Alexander, Mikey, Chance and Layson.
In 1969, Ken asked Lynne to share life with him the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. They divorced five years later; but after a 19 year separation, they remarried in 1993. They are the perfect love story. Lynne took care of Ken lovingly day and night until his passing.
Ken is survived by his wife, tads, and grandtads, sisters Phylis, Judy, Peggy, Bev, Dee Dee, and Laurie, and by brother Chuck. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry.
The family would like to thank all those wonderful health workers and friends who have helped us.We will love and miss him. We'll let Dad have the final word: "Lighten up!"
Condolences may be sent to the family here.
Read other remembrances of Ken at:
Ken Rand obituary at
http://www.legacy.com/saltlaketribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=126514604
Ken Rand's new web site: http://www.kenrandmediaman.com/
Patrick Swenson's Live Journal announcement: http://tbclone47.livejournal.com/313334.html
