Ken Alford

O. Kenneth Alford passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023, in his home. He was born on November 15, 1935 to Omer and Edith Alford in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up on a farm near Hillsdale, Michigan. He graduated from Wheaton College in 1960. Ken met Janet Wonson at Michigan State University and they were married in 1966. Ken earned his M.A. in College Personnel and Counseling from Michigan State in 1967. Ken and Jan moved to Wheaton College, where Ken worked as an Assistant Dean of Students and Men's Resident Hall Director.

In 1970, Ken and Jan moved to Longmont, Colorado, where Ken worked as a High School Guidance Counselor while finishing his Specialist degree in Psychology and Counseling. Ken was in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the next 40 years, active in several professional organizations and helped establish the Front Range Counseling Center in Longmont.

Ken had a strong faith in Jesus Christ that was a core tenant to his counseling practice and life, praying for each client as they came to his office. He was knowledgeable in the Scriptures and always encouraged people in their faith with God. He was active in Central Presbyterian Church, Community Bible Study, and a member of the LPUMC Saturday Morning Bible Study for many years. Jan and Ken are members of Grace Commons.

Ken loved working with young people and the family had several exchange students over the years, which led to wonderful connections with families in Europe. Ken and Jan loved to travel around the United States, Europe and Israel. Ken loved the mountains and spending time with family and friends hiking, river rafting, camping, exploring old mines, and biking. Ken was happiest on the ski slopes or climbing one of Colorado's 14ers. He was a member of Rotary and Kiwanis.

Ken is survived by his wife Jan. He was the proud father of two daughters, both of Longmont Kristen Keronen, Karen Ranglos (David), four grandchildren; Sam and Sofia Keronen, Jack and Lauren Ranglos. He is survived by brother Glenn Alford; sisters Sharon Glaser, and Barbara Stires and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother David Alford of Ft. Collins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Longs Peak United Methodist Church (1421 Elmhurst Drive, Longmont, CO) on Thursday July 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be given in his name to St. Vrain Valley Young Life (PO Box 664, Longmont, 80502) or Samaritan's Purse.