As a House Committee staffer, I worked with Ken closely when he was a Legislative Aide; when I migrated to the Senate, I often met with Ken about the rural government issues he advocated. Ken was a truly wonderful man who was as whip-smart as he was kind. He treated everyone with respect.  He met no strangers.  May he be remembered forever.

I just learned this week of Ken's passing. He was a lovely person. I'm so sorry for your great loss. But I know I will see Ken again one day. Praying for the family during this season of grief.

I had the honor of helping Ken with his back issues.  He was always a positive spot in my day.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of a friend
  Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

“Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the real thing.” 
? Abraham Lincoln

Every Once in while we have the privilege to receive the extremely rare and precious gift of a friendship from someone who touches our lives in such a powerful and meaningful way that our lives are impacted and altered with a glimpse of  heaven.  Ken was a man, a friend, who demonstrated true character, impeccable integrity and a sense of loyalty that nothing could shake or limit. Over twenty years ago, Divine providence pulled my family into the orbit of Ken's soul.  This cherished and incomparable gift of Ken's friendship was like touching the reflection of Gods heart.

Everyone who knew our family,  knew how deeply we cared for Ken and the extent of his presence in our lives.  There is no way to express, in a few short minutes, the depth and breath of the character, impact and affect Ken had on us and all the people he encountered.  But we would be remiss to not share snippets of his character and provide a glimpse of the impact he left behind.

Throughout the last twenty years, Ken became a friend, a brother and uncle to me and my family.  My youngest son Daniel was born shortly after we met Ken, and he has known Ken as nothing other than uncle Ken.  My eldest son, Stephen, was six years old when he began a relationship with ken by accompanying us as we put up campaign signs for State Representative John Laurent.  Not even two years later, Daniel, was out on the side of the road throughout Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties ATTEMPTING to assist Ken in digging post holes for campaign signs. That was a sight to be remembered.

As most of you know, Ken was a l-i-t-t-l-e b-i-t of a Gator Fan.  What you don't know is that I have seen him in maroon, which is very similar to Crimson! Ken accompanied me several times to Virginia Tech football games while Stephen was a student there.  Ken was so proud of Stephen and he wanted to show his support,thus he bought and WORE an orange and maroon VT Jacket.  Now, he would tell you that the orange was a Gator color and that made it ok. However, I am pretty sure that he never wore his VT jacket in Florida, and may well have burned it upon returning home but we have a photo of Ken in maroon and orange. A photo that showed Ken's unconditional love!

Ken was an extremely generous person.  I remember the first time we went out to eat, he paid and left a tip of 40 percent.  I asked if he realized he left such a large tip, and he replied that the waitress worked hard and probably needed the money more than him.  He consistently left tips that were over 25 percent. During the time Ken and I worked for John, a campaign aide had a baby.  Ken asked Nikki and I if we wanted to go in on a gift.  When he showed up with $200 in baby gifts, we were shocked.  I told him I was anticipating about $50 between us.  He said, it's ok, just give me what you can afford and I will cover the rest. Years later, when Ken lost a tremendous amount of weight strictly through discipline and self-control, he chose to donate hundreds of dollars in clothing to a local charity versus selling them for profit. That was Ken, generous generous generous but never needing accolades.

Ken was an avid sports fan.  He of course rooted for the Florida gators, but he was also a dedicated fan of the Baltimore Orioles, the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Bullets, I'm sorry, the politically correct Wizards.  My wife and I traveled with Ken numerous times and on one trip we had the Privilege to accompany him to see his favorite Oriole, Cal Ripken, play in the last year of his career.  On our son's sixteenth birthday, Ken accompanied us on an all guy baseball trip to watch the Boston Red Sox (my son's favorite team), the New york Yankees and the New York Mets.  Despite the fact that he despised the Red Sox and the Yankees, Ken had a great time, agreed not to root against them but being loyal to his team, he did wear a Baltimore Jersey to each of the games. A few years ago, we took a trip to Chicago to watch my favorite football team play Ken's favorite team.  The game was an evening game and the temperature was below zero.  Of course Ken, demonstrating his loyalty, wore a giant Viking Jersey over his thick winter coat.  I told him he was on his own if the Bears fans turned on him. Most of our trips were related to sports but at the heart of each of them was a relationship with one of the kindest steadfast souls we've known.

Over the years that we have known Ken, he always demonstrated deference towards those around him.  Whether treating interns as co-workers and helping them find jobs, or supporting and caring for his brothers, Ken was always attending to the needs of others.  Ken's concern for the welfare of others and his generosity to assist in any way possible, was without bounds politically and personally and he did so without expectation of recompense. He was a man and a friend, who always gave more than he received.

Ken had a profound intellect. He was always conscientious of conducting himself with an appropriate and respectful demeanor.  Ken was a man who believed that character and integrity were not merely principles to be lauded but were principles by which one could and  should live.  He was a friend who would be there for you at any time day or night.  Ken was a confidant, a sounding board, a voice of wisdom and was consistently supportive.  

I wish that I could adequately articulate the scope of who Ken was and quantify the impact that Ken had on all those who were drawn into his path but that would take hours, even years. Ken was an ordinary man but made an extraordinary impact on all those he encountered.  The absence of his presence in our lives will create a profound hole.  There will be an empty chair at our dinner table, less joy in our holidays, and a part of our family continually absent.  We, as many of you, will miss Ken tremendously.

Ken was my friend and my brother.  Thank you God for sharing him with me. 

-Ed, Nikki, Stephen & Daniel Smith

Ken was always there when you needed him to explain the budget process, solve a problem, or cheer on the Gators. I know that we will miss him terribly but that Ken is thrilled to be sitting at his Savior's feet. I know he will be there to welcome me when I get to go to heaven. Until then Ken, I will miss you.

Sadness spread quickly throughout Florida at the passing of Ken.  Our hearts are heavy and our prayers are with his family. Ken was a master at his craft; continuously playing a significant roles in complex matters. Most importantly was his humility, his willingness to help others, and, his love for his family.   I will miss my colleague and friend.  Florida is a better place because of Ken Grimes.

Ken was indeed a good guy w/a gentle soul.  RIP my old friend.

Seldom are we fortunate enough to encounter, let alone know or have as a friend, a man with the rare mix of outstanding qualities possessed by Ken.  A list of them all would be so extensive as to be virtually impossible to compile, but a few that immediately come to mind are faithful, humble, wise, intelligent, kind, caring, gentle, selfless, generous, giving, diligent, patriotic, and loving – not necessarily in any particular order.  While Ken will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless thousands who were blessed to have known him, perhaps his greatest legacy will be the positive influence and inspiration for excellence that he has left with us all, and of course his enduring and unwavering faith.  My heartfelt condolences and prayers for healing go out to all of Ken's family and friends in this exceedingly difficult time.

My condolences to the Grimes family. May you all find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 regarding the loss of your loved one.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Kenneth David Grimes

27 juin 1964 – 14 novembre 2014

Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park

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