Kennett Darrett Peck Malan
Ken “Dart” Malan, 78, retired Group Health physician, died from cancer on April 5, 2010 at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash.
He was born Aug. 21, 1931 in Ogden, Utah, son of Kennett H. Malan and Maureen Peck. He spent some of his happiest days working with his beloved grandpa, Gideon H. Malan, on their mountain, and with his lifelong friends from Polk Elementary, fondly referred to as “the sons of Polk.” He was on winning swimming and skiing teams at Ogden High School.
He served in the U.S. Air Force, where he discovered his calling to medicine, and was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. He attended Brigham Young University, graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, did residencies in Ogden, Salt Lake and San Francisco, and was a board-certified specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. He was a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington from 1989 to 1992.
Ken practiced obstetrics and gynecology at Group Health Cooperative Puget Sound from 1967 until his retirement in 1990, then as a contract doctor in Kwajalein (Marshall Islands) and American Samoa. He assisted in the delivery of three generations of babies and always said that each one came with their own distinct personality, clearly visible in their first few minutes.
He was married to Loree J. Petree from 1956 until their divorce in 1967. They had four daughters. He was married to Donna E. Piggott from 1970 until her death in 2007. She had a daughter from a previous marriage. They delighted in their family, friends, many pets, music, tennis and their growing walk with the Lord. Over the years, they made their home throughout Washington state, including Seattle, Kirkland, San Juan Island, Ellensburg, and Crista Retirement Center in Shoreline.
Ken will be remembered for his Christian love of neighbor, as he sought to do the Lord’s work by being kind and tender toward all living beings, and encouraging others wherever he went. He was humble and charitable, and brightened the lives of those around him. His wife, Donna, and granddaughter, Sarah V. Clayton, preceded him in death.
Ken will be dearly missed by his children, Audrey (Daniel) Malan, Sally Malan, Elizabeth Malan, Jennifer (Scott) Pfeil, and Barbara E. (Chris) Taylor; grandchildren, Christopher and Erik Loftus, Benjamin and Kimberly Absher, Trahern Clayton, and Ian and Aidan Taylor; his siblings, Barbara J. (Don) Buttel, Michael H. (Ruth) Malan, Dawn S. “Kandi” (Mick) Rasmussen, Mark K. (Colette) Malan, Marque S. (Sandra) Malan; and many other friends and relatives.
A celebration memorial of Ken’s life will take place on April 24, 1 p.m. at Eastside Foursquare Church, 14520 100th Ave. NE in Bothell, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ken’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
— Family of Kennett Darrett Peck Malan
