COLUMBIA - Kenneth “Ken” Robert Walden, 69, passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, after sudden cardiac arrest. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the family home.
Born on September 27, 1948 in Hempstead, Long Island, NY, he was the son of the late Antoinette Henrietta Wytanis and Richard Henry Walden.
In high school, he enjoyed playing multiple sports and was a member of the Lacrosse team at UNC Chapel Hill. He loved spending time at Camp Powhatan in Maine every summer of his childhood. A lifelong lover of nature, he enjoyed the outdoors, sailing and hiking in the mountains. He exercised daily and tried to persuade everyone he knew of the mental and physical benefits of being fit and healthy. He was a vegetarian for thirty years and had a passion for vegetable gardening.
Ken was passionate about trees, and regularly sent letters to the SCDOT with tips on how to properly prune and mulch crepe myrtles. He recently volunteered to coordinate the state’s effort to prune crepe myrtles along Highway 277.
He was on the board of the non-profit Columbia Green for many years, and was active in promoting gardens and green spaces. For years, he volunteered to help students learn to read at Killian Elementary School. Ken worked in commercial real estate at Baker & Baker Real Estate for more than 26 years.
He was foremost a family man, always present and involved with his wife and three talented daughters, to whom he was a wonderful father. He was also a dear friend and beloved brother and uncle. Ken is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie Walden and his daughters, Rebecca Walden, Stephanie Walden, Carolyn Baxley and son-in-law, Blake Baxley; stepmother, Dale Walden; brother, Richard Walden; Terri Walden; uncle, Jim Walden; stepsisters, Susan Perkins and Lora Flynn; nephews, Eric Walden, Matthew Walden, Brian Walden, Peter Michael Walden, Noah Walden, Aaron Gordo, Mark Creech, and Michael Anastasion; nieces, Eileen Walden, Sara Walden, Christina Gorden, Daniele Anastasion; sisters-in-law, Gail (Steve) Anastasion and Janna Baker; and best four-legged friend, Bella. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Peter Walden and niece, Michelle Walden.
Ken will always be remembered as a man who appreciated the simple joys that life has to offer and who spread that joy to his family. His kindness left an enormous mark on those who met him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Columbia Green, PO Box 50191, Columbia SC 29250, (www.columbiagreen.org).
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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