Ken is so inspirational to me and my family. He was the best dad and partner, fellow dog lover, so incredibly hardworking, surrounded by so many friends, and still made time to live life and give back to his community. I will always remember my sleepovers with Mandy, and Ken checking in on us to say hi and me coming over after school for some of his amazing chili. Seeing his father/daughter dance with Mandy, and Sterling being able to meet him will always be such special memories that I will keep with me forever. We will love and miss him forever and are so grateful for our memories with him ♥️!

Uncle Ken inspired me in his own way by setting the example.  Great memories of Ken and how Ken inspired me include:  
-Work hard and strive for excellence in all I do.
-Be an active and regular donor to the Salvation Army of Buffalo and Indianapolis.  There are always those in need.  And we always can give a helping hand.  
-Try to make light of sometimes the heaviest topics.  ( I can still hear his laugh right now over some of the stickiest situations!  LOL!)
-Be a great golfer, appreciate all the beautiful things of golf and learn from all the life lessons golf teaches you. (I would call myself an average golfer but he was awesome.  Rumor is he he had 6 hole in ones!)
-Have Fun!  He always had a lot of fun through golfing, boating, hunting, fishing and Sabres games.
-Boating on the Niagara River each summer and asking me one time during boating "When are you going to marry Kelly Puma?  What is the hold up?!?!"  LOL!   (He knew a good one when he saw one)
-Always calling, visiting and spending time together when he passed by Indianapolis.  
-He always called me "Robbie" - my childhood name.   When I became a teenager, I wanted to be called "Rob".  But even as an adult, he always called me Robbie.  Growing up I would always correct others and say call me "Rob".  But for some reason, I didn't correct him.  And And as I got older, I enjoyed hearing him call me "Robbie".  I have been told by my parents (particulary my father) that I have a lot of "Colwell" in me.  The Colwell's are known as adventurous, hard workers, risk takers, one's who speak their mind and living life to the fullest.   And I received many of those traits from Ken.  Today, I choose to celebrate Ken's life, the impact he had on me and the lengths he went to be there for me in the important moments of my life as an Uncle, Mentor and Friend.   Thank you Ken.  Rest Easy.  And I know you have already hit another hole in one in Heaven.  
Love,
Robbie

Great company always with Barbara for dinner Birthday.

In Loving Memory of Ken

I did not know Ken before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but I was blessed to know the man who came to live in our community—a great and strong soul who loved his family, his children, and of course, his dog. Ken was a character in the very best sense: warm, witty, and always himself.

He never stopped being a businessman at heart. He was forever ready to chair a board meeting, asking me if I’d finished the newsletter and eager to flip through it. He carried a pocketful of jokes and a spark in his eye that lifted our days.

What moved me most was the love that surrounded him. Barbara’s devotion was steady and generous—she cared for Ken and supported all of us on staff with grace. His children’s love was constant and proud. I will never forget the day his daughter made sure her father could walk her down the aisle right here in our community. That moment said everything about the father he was and the bond they shared.

It was an honor to love you, Ken, to care for you, and to walk beside you on your journey. Though this chapter has closed, you are free from pain and held once more in the peace and wholeness you knew before. We will carry your laughter, your leadership, and your kindness with us.

To Barbara and your family: you are forever part of ours. We hold you close and send our deepest sympathy. Thank you for trusting us with someone so extraordinary.

Rest in peace, dear Ken. We will never, ever forget you. Live- Heather

I will forever cherish our double dates at Morningside House functions
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Lea

Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult time, my heart goes out to all of the family

OBITUARY

Kenneth William Colwell

July 2, 1948 – August 23, 2026

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Memorial Service

Celebration of Life