Obituary for Kenneth Emitario Acena
Kenneth E. Acena
October 19, 1945 – April 19, 2022
Ken Acena,of Aberdeen,WA passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022, at his home after a long term illness. Born in Seattle and raised in the Central District, Ken graduated from O’Dea High School in 1963. He heroically served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned after the war, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Seattle University in 1972. Ken worked for many years in the Human Resource field until he retired in 2011 from Washington State Employees Credit Union in Olympia as a Human Resources and Benefits Director. He developed many lifelong friendships with dear friends within his career.
Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Drena Acena (Belmonte) that cared for him each day until his passing. He is survived by his daughters, Tressa (Corrie) Bender, Taya (Loc) Do, Tiffany (Ian) Day, Mya Acena and his beloved six grandchildren Ashley Bender, Darcie Bender, Trenton Do, Mackenzie Do, Olivia Do, and Callen Day. Ken is proceeded in death by his parents Eddie Acena and Pearl Acena; and brother Edward Acena.
As a loving father, he always had a smile on his face that matched his sense of humor along with his gentle easy-going demeanor. Ken enjoyed relaxing at home with family and being outdoors in the yard. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren which brought him so much happiness. When he retired, he proudly took on his new role of “grandpa daycare” to his first grandson which he loved every moment. There was nothing more he wanted to do when he retired than to be with his family.
We will always remember the time and activities our dad did in dropping everything to spend time with us. He enjoyed swimming in the pool with us during the summer, playing spontaneous games of basketball, pickleball and badminton after work, helping with homework, and taking family vacations to Eastern Washington, the Oregon Coast and California. He was a hard-working person that taught his family integrity and resilience, while not taking life too seriously. We will continue his legacy forward. Our lives as kids were full in knowing our dad cherished us. We are eternally thankful for the life he and our mom worked so hard to provide for us.
A private celebration will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harbors Home Health & Hospice (Hoquiam WA). They provided exceptional care and compassion.
October 19, 1945 – April 19, 2022
Ken Acena,of Aberdeen,WA passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022, at his home after a long term illness. Born in Seattle and raised in the Central District, Ken graduated from O’Dea High School in 1963. He heroically served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned after the war, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Seattle University in 1972. Ken worked for many years in the Human Resource field until he retired in 2011 from Washington State Employees Credit Union in Olympia as a Human Resources and Benefits Director. He developed many lifelong friendships with dear friends within his career.
Ken leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Drena Acena (Belmonte) that cared for him each day until his passing. He is survived by his daughters, Tressa (Corrie) Bender, Taya (Loc) Do, Tiffany (Ian) Day, Mya Acena and his beloved six grandchildren Ashley Bender, Darcie Bender, Trenton Do, Mackenzie Do, Olivia Do, and Callen Day. Ken is proceeded in death by his parents Eddie Acena and Pearl Acena; and brother Edward Acena.
As a loving father, he always had a smile on his face that matched his sense of humor along with his gentle easy-going demeanor. Ken enjoyed relaxing at home with family and being outdoors in the yard. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren which brought him so much happiness. When he retired, he proudly took on his new role of “grandpa daycare” to his first grandson which he loved every moment. There was nothing more he wanted to do when he retired than to be with his family.
We will always remember the time and activities our dad did in dropping everything to spend time with us. He enjoyed swimming in the pool with us during the summer, playing spontaneous games of basketball, pickleball and badminton after work, helping with homework, and taking family vacations to Eastern Washington, the Oregon Coast and California. He was a hard-working person that taught his family integrity and resilience, while not taking life too seriously. We will continue his legacy forward. Our lives as kids were full in knowing our dad cherished us. We are eternally thankful for the life he and our mom worked so hard to provide for us.
A private celebration will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harbors Home Health & Hospice (Hoquiam WA). They provided exceptional care and compassion.