May 13, 1939 – January 20, 2026
Kenneth “Ken” Barry Blaker was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 13, 1939, to Anson and Helen (Van Eaton) Blaker. Not long after his birth, the Blaker family returned to the Pacific Northwest, settling in the Seattle–Burien area. There, Ken spent his childhood and welcomed his younger brother, Ross James Blaker, four years later.
A graduate of Highline High School, Ken began his college years at Washington State University before entering the United States military in December 1959. He served two years in Germany and returned home with an Honorable Discharge on March 31, 1962. In 1963, Ken and Elke welcomed their daughter, Andrea Jean Blaker. After the marriage ended, Andrea and Elke relocated to Texas.
Determined to further his education, Ken attended the University of Washington, earning his bachelor’s degree and becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1972. His early career began at Benson McLaughlin, but his professional path took a defining turn when Jim Whittaker invited him to join the REI team in 1973. Ken rose to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, helping shape REI into one of the Top 500 Places to Work in America. His leadership, integrity, and vision left a lasting mark on the organization and the people who worked alongside him.
In 1985, Ken married Sue, beginning a partnership filled with love, adventure, and deep companionship. They celebrated 40 years of marriage in December 2025, a milestone that reflected a life shared fully and joyfully with family and friends.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sue; his daughter, Andrea; his brother, Ross; sister-in-law, Cheryl; nieces and nephew Whitney and Torin Blaker. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Jennifer and Brian Bonner, and Jeremy and Lindsay McKay—and four great grandchildren: Madison, Ella, Zoe, and Cole; and in-law niece Taimay Gomez, great niece and nephew Shylia and Liam Gomez.
Ken passed away on January 20, 2026, following a massive stroke and frontotemporal dementia. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and unwavering spirit. His was truly a life well lived, with no regrets.
To share memories of Ken, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/ken-blaker.
