Kenneth O. Gamon Obituary (1939 - 2026)

Kenneth Oakland Gamon 1/9/1939 - 3/9/2026 A Man of Determination and Ideas Kenneth Oakland Gamon was born January 9, 1939 to Ralph V. Gamon and Clara Blanche Probert Gamon in Spokane, WA. He got his knack for fixing things from his father and a love of animals from his mother. He had a happy childhood in the Glenrose community and was active in Future Farmers of America. Ken was initially considering becoming a veterinarian. Ken graduated early from Central Valley High School and worked the following summer doing permafrost testing in Alaska. He also enrolled in the Washington National Guard with friends out of a sense of duty. Ken attended Eastern Washington State College and worked nights at Eastern Washington State Mental Hospital to pay for tuition. He had great compassion for the individuals that were being incarcerated. Ken met the love of his life, Suzanne Carol Curtis (Sue) on a blind date. He came highly recommended by her friend as a great dancer. Two years later, their 1959 wedding announcement would state that Ken and Sue were headed to South Dakota for him to enroll in medical school. Instead they went to Corvallis, where Ken obtained a graduate assistantship at Oregon State University and completed his doctorate degree in Mathematics. While in Oregon, Ken and Sue developed life-long friendships and an interest in collecting clocks, coins, and antiques. In 1965, Ken accepted a position in the Math Department at Central Washington State College. Ken and Sue moved to Ellensburg and bought a stone block house built in 1913 and viewed it as having extensive potential. Throughout his 37 years teaching, there would be ongoing projects at home. Ken enjoyed working with fellow professors and encouraged students to participate in the national Putnam exam. He was instrumental in starting a Master's program for the Mathematics Department. Ken was actively involved in Central's Faculty Senate and helped work toward establishing a union for the faculty. Ken was a trustee for Ellensburg First United Methodist Church and served on the board for Lazy F Camp. He was an active member of Lion's club and volunteered his time to help build and maintain structures at Mountain View Park. Ken loved strategic thinking and opportunity: fishing, bowling, playing cards, investing, and home improvement projects. He designed and built a lake cabin from start to finish. Ken and Sue raised a family of four children (Meg, Alyssa, Paul, and Kate). They each pursued degrees in the field of Mathematics and continue Ken's love of animals. Ken is survived by his wife of 66 years, three younger siblings, four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Ken has been a very special husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed but his spirit and memories will live on! Memorial donations can be made to Hospice, Parkinson's research, or the charity of your choice. A small family graveside service has been planned. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 13th at the Ellensburg United Methodist Church.