Kenneth Howard Flanders

Kenneth Howard Flanders, 52, of Centennial, Colorado passed away November 27, 2016.  

Kenny was a loving and generous person. Those who think of him will no doubt remember his great love of music, tremendously dry sense of humor, and his playful demeanor. Ken adored and celebrated his family and his friends, with his naturally quiet style. He orchestrated many an event to bring people together, where he surprised us with his fantastic culinary skills and wines to match, showered us with music from his expansive record collection, and surrounded us with the glow of many candles.

He was a very private and humble person, who shared with us nuggets of wisdom and reminded us to be present in the moment. For many of us, he was a counterbalance to the weight of our daily responsibilities, reminding us to live, love, and appreciate one another.

Kenneth Howard Flanders was born in Denver, CO but grew up in Houston, Texas. He later moved to New Jersey where he met his wife, Heather Dilly, in 1989. They returned to Colorado and were married on April 13th, 1992. They spent many years rediscovering the many beautiful locations unique to Colorado, including his favorite - Independence Pass. He and his wife were fortunate to have recently traveled through Independence Pass to view the fall foliage of Colorado’s Aspen trees, prior to his passing.

No one can remember Ken without acknowledging his unfailing love of and dedication to music of all kinds and his incredible knowledge of artists, bands, and their histories. He attended an untold number of concerts and loved Colorado’s Red Rocks venue. He passed his love of music on to his children, of whom he was extraordinarily proud - remarking on their loving natures, poise, kindness, intelligence, wit and maturity.

Ken worked for the Rocky Mountain News/Denver Post for 21 years as a lead, customer service manager and human resources manager. He received an MBA from Regis University and went on to work for United Launch Alliance. He was especially proud to be a part of ULA, as his father had worked for many years with Martin Marietta/Lockheed Martin in the Aerospace Industry. He used to state that he was now a “Rocket Man”, playfully referring to the song of the same name by Elton John.

Ken is survived by his wife, Heather and their two children, Ian and Katharine, his father Howard, his siblings and their spouses - Christine and Marc, Madelyn and Stein, Douglas and Cristin, his aunts - Patsy and Diana, his uncle Scott, and his many nephews and nieces - Flynn, Ava, Reagan, Curran, Tristan, Elijah and Kendra.

A gathering to remember Ken is planned for Saturday between the hours of 11am and 1pm at Drinkwine Family Mortuary on Littleton Blvd. 

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