Ken and I were “writing buddies” long before we met. Shortly after I joined Ceridian in 1999, he and I were assigned to a beta project that was a technical disaster for the company, but a stockpile of wit, laughter, surprise and humor as we worked together. We were bonded. We met in person two years later; we were still writing.

Ken showed all of us how important it is to always be learning. After the course he took in stand-up comedy, several of us attended his performance. He was all the things we knew him to be: sharp, compassionate, ironic, witty, acerbic and sweet. I still remember some of those stories.

How lucky so many of us were to work with him! He shared his knowledge, spent time getting to know everyone, made us all laugh and showed everyone respect. Ken was a gentleman…although there was this one time in the Atlanta office that I need to write about.

Ken kept the same early hours at work that he and Kathy loved. He was at the office at the crack of dawn and was savvy enough to leave before rush hour. He loved the alone time in the early mornings. One morning, I came in extra early, got off the elevator and headed to my office. I could hear someone cursing (loudly) and realized it was Ken! I did not want him to know I was there; I tiptoed past and headed to my office. Then, I closed the door and burst out laughing. I never said a word to Ken.

Later that day, he stopped by my office and asked if he owed me an apology. I could hardly contain my laughter, still. “No”, I said. “I agree with everything you had to say this morning, and, as usual, you said it better than I.” It was our private shared memory that we still laughed about years later.

Ken valued his friends, loved his family, found humor in the rarest of moments and made us all better. During a very dark moment in my life, Ken was a strong and compassionate presence. May his family find peace in the love so many people have expressed. My deepest sympathies to everyone who loved him.

My deepest condolences to Kathy and all the family. He was a  great human  being. Always helping people.  May God gives you and the family ,comfort, peace and strength. I will miss him 😪. Rest in peace.

Ken loved to travel, visit museums and art galleries,  taking cooking classes and spending time with grandchildren.  What a life partner who will continue to be present in my heart every single day! Every day with Ken was like a never ending honeymoon...

I could probably write a book about all the ways Ken touched my life. I talked about him so much that my family kidded me that Ken's last name was "you know, my friend from work". (What greater friendship than humoring my horse obsession while attending a conference in Arizona!)
Funny, smart, wise, we collaborated on projects that remain the favorite of my career. I took his wisdom to my next career, and it never led me astray. It's been >20 years since I left Ceridian, and I'm so grateful our friendship continued. Our last exchange was on New Years day, and it was as heartfelt as always. His memory will truly be a blessing.

I worked with Ken on and off for several years, sat next to him in a cubicle area which led to many spontaneous conversations and observations. We kept up our friendship after he retired, spoke almost weekly, mostly about football, baseball, or whatever other sport was in season, books we were reading, shows we were watching, the latest in politics. Ken was one of the kindest people, always seeing the best in others. Without him even realizing it, he inspired me to be a better person and to emulate that kindness in my views. He was one-of-a-kind and so many of us will miss him so much.

I had the privilege of working with Ken for 27 years at Ceridian. He was one of the kindest, most caring, and most genuine people I have ever known. Ken lived his life with joy and gratitude, always seeing the best in others and encouraging those around him to do the same. He had a way of doing the little things that made people feel truly seen and heard. I will miss him deeply—as a mentor, a friend, and a truly remarkable human being.

Ken had such a great personality. He had a dry sense of humor, but he could be silly too. He was game to participate in almost anything. The joy he brought to me and others will be greatly missed.

This photo of Ken was taken at a party during our company conference. The theme was Ceridian High School Prom. He was chaperoning as the high school shop teacher.

This photo was taken at Ken's virtual retirement party from Ceridian. He was so well respected and loved by everyone on our team. I had the pleasure of working closely with Ken many times over the years. He was a lovely person. He took pride in his work and made even boring things fun, like payroll taxes and wage attachments. He was my personal and professional cheerleader whenever I needed a boost. I am blessed to have had Ken in my life. He will be deeply missed.

At Fire and Brimstone in Alpharetta, GA, February 2019.

One of my favorite things I liked to do with Ken was to relax over drinks and cigars to discuss college football and solving the world's challenges.

Shannon, my thoughts and prayers are with and your family! May your dad rest in peace knowing he was loved!

Love Terri and Clet

He was an amazing man and will be missed! RIP Daddy

Ken would make sure I was taken care of when I had a long training commitment in Atlanta. Not only would he (and sometimes Kathy)  take a night to go out for dinner, Ken would also stash a bottle of something in the office for me to take back to the hotel. Love that guy!

Ken was such an interesting, thoughtful, and loving man. I remember getting to teach Fish camp with him. He taught me to be authentic and willing to share personal stuff with folks to help build relationships and help others grow. The stories Ken would share when we facilitated the Fish sessions, about Kathy and him, made me look forward to one day finding someone as special to share the rest of my life with. I was blessed to have him in my life. Much love and peace to you and your family.

OBITUARY

Kenneth "Ken" Matthew Richardson

December 20, 1948 – January 19, 2026

McLaurin Funeral Home & Pinecrest Memorial Park

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