Ken Notari

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Ken Notari ""Kenny"" to some June 2, 1952 – April 20, 2016 Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held at a much later date (To Be Determined). Kenneth Joseph Notari was born on June 2, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois, the second child born to Leona Anna (Behnke) and Paul Notari. Ken spent his childhood years residing in Mount Prospect, Illinois before moving to Orlando, Florida in 1966. After his parents divorced, Ken moved to Elmsford, New York in 1967 with his Dad and two sisters, Cathy and Sharon. He spent his adolescent years there, graduating from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1970. In 1969, Ken's dad remarried and Ken gained two sisters, Mindy and Debbie. In 1971, Ken moved to Rego Park, New York with his parents, Paul and Marlene (Fineman) Notari where he lived while attending college and working, until he moved to Denver, Colorado with his parents and his two sisters, Mindy and Debbie in 1974. Ken began working at Denver Water in June 1974 on the lawn crew and worked in several capacities during his tenure at Denver Water before his retirement in June 2008; his last position being a Safety & Loss Control Specialist. Ken was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery in 1978 with subsequent radiation treatments in 1979, returning to work in March 1979. Ken graduated from Regis College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management in 1985. In 2006, Ken was diagnosed with late radiation dementia, an incurable progressive debilitating condition, for which he courageously dealt with determination until his body could take no more. Shortly before his death, Ken had been hospitalized and treated for aspiration pneumonia. Ken met his wife of 39 years, Mary Louise (Mary Lou – nee Shioji) in 1976 while moonlighting as a disc jockey at the now defunct Mattie Silks Disco in the Jefferson 440 Restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado where Mary Lou was working part-time as a hostess in addition to her full-time job as a computer technician at the Federal Energy Administration. They married on April 9, 1977. Passionate about helping others, Ken became a volunteer firefighter in Elmsford, New York and also in Lakewood, Colorado with the Bancroft/Lakewood now West Metro Fire Department from which he retired several years ago. Ken also became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and loved teaching CPR and First Aid to first responders. Ken rode with the St. Anthony's Flight-For-Life crew on one occasion and felt privileged to provide assistance. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Colorado CPR Association for several years. Every year, Ken contributed a toy for the Toys for Tots Campaign at Denver Water, always purchasing an item way beyond the designated amount saying he wanted to make sure that the child received at least one really nice gift for Christmas. Ken was a loyal and steadfast friend to all he befriended. Ken and Mary Lou became parents of Kristofer Paul Thomas Notari on July 31, 1992. Ken was most devoted and proud of his son and Kris of his Dad. Ken was also attached to his best friend, Scooby, a hearing service dog that became Ken's constant companion and protector in May 2007. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; son, Kris of Lakewood, CO; parents, Paul & Marlene Notari-Denver; sisters Cathy Davidson (Ken Wissoker)-NY; Sharon Notari-Marietta, GA; Mindy (Kevin) Nielsen-Los Angeles, CA; Debbie McGrath-Los Angeles, CA; mother-in-law, Jo Shioji-Wheat Ridge, CO; nieces, Morgan McGrath, Sage Christine Notari, Tamiye Burlingame, Sachi Burlingame; nephew, Kyle McGrath, numerous other relatives, and Scooby (the wonder dog). Preceded in death by his grandparents, Peter & Mae Notari; Dave & Lillian Fineman; Frank & Katherine Behnke; mother, Leeann C. Ripes (nee Leona Anna Behnke). The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Brian K. Wegner, M.D. and the staff of Rocky Mountain Primary Care-Lakewood; Scott F. London, M.D.; the staff at Centura Health Physician Group-Neuroscience & Spine; David J. Cahn, M.D.; staff of Centura Health at Home; ER & staff at St. Anthony Hospital-Lakewood; staff of all of the skilled nursing facilities where Ken stayed during the past ten years; staff of the Colorado Easter Seals-Rehabilitation & Stroke Day Program; the private caregivers; and staff of the assisted living memory care homes; for all of their time, energy, care, and support provided to Ken; and all of the support and love received from family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice or to one of the following: International Hearing Dog, Inc. (www.hearingdog.org); West Metro Fire Rescue Foundation (www.wmfrf.org); St. Anthony Health Foundation (www.stanthonyhealthfoundation.org); Colorado Chapter-Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org/co/) or Cornerstone Montessori School – Parent Guild - Children's Nest Building Fund – 15970 West 50th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403. Our Final Words to our Departed Son, Ken It is very difficult for Mom and me to say goodbye to our only son who has departed us so early in his life. Our sorrow is immense but we know that Ken is in a better place than he has been over the last 10 years of his illness. Thank God his suffering is over. I, as his father, am remembering Ken, not only as my son, but as a special friend all of his life. I remember the days of camping out with him and his sisters when he was still a young lad, as well as the days we spent fishing together and going to the many Colorado Rockies baseball games to cheer on our favorite players and our home team. These, and many more days of pleasure and friendship that we spent together over the years, will always be in my memories of my only son. Mom and I say ""Goodbye Ken"". You have always had our deepest love and always will. Love, Dad & Mom WORDS FROM SISTER - CATHY NOTARI DAVIDSON My little brother Ken (Kenny) was always a joker, witty and fun, and with the most tender and generous heart. Even after he was struck by the worst kind of disability, brain damage, his generosity towards others was beyond measure. He was also lucky. Always. As a little kid, he was the one to find the lucky penny, the four-leaf clover, the rabbit's foot. And he found Mary Lou and the wonderful Shioji family, and had the great good luck to have a fabulous son Kris. Against the most formidable odds, my brother gave and was given a life of hope, love, generosity, compassion—and courage. I love you, Brother Ken. May you rest in peace. WORDS FROM SISTER - SHARON NOTARI When Ken and I were in high school he was the outgoing jokester and I was voted ""most quiet."" When I made honor society, I was mortified to have to walk across the stage in a large auditorium. As I did, Ken yelled out loudly, ""That's my sister!"" As embarrassed as I was, underneath it I could not have felt more loyalty and love. And that is my brother, Ken. Of course he drove me crazy, sneaking in on me while sleeping and holding my feet down, but I got back at him by ""singing"": ""I want to be free like a bird in a tree and then you will see how free I can be . . . ""Ken, now you are free . . . from any pain (and my singing) and somehow I just know you are soaring high, loyal, and full of love as ever. I love you, Ken, your little sister, aka ""Florence Shari-gale."" WORDS FROM SISTERS – MINDY NIELSEN & DEBBIE McGRATH Words cannot express our sadness of a life cut too short...one of our best memories of our life with Ken is our FAMOUS trip to Washington D.C. on the train (which started as a 'train wreck') and ended as a lifelong family Union! Ken's passing leaves a heartache no one can heal... Love leaves a memory no one can steal... Mindy & Debbie WORDS FROM NIECE - MORGAN TAYLOR McGRATH Uncle Ken, I will miss you and love you forever! WORDS FROM NIECE - SAGE CHRISTINE NOTARI As a child, Uncle Ken was very much the ""fun uncle"" every kid wishes for. When I grew older, I enjoyed listening to his stories, especially the embarrassing anecdotes about my mother and Aunt Cathy. Although I was devastated by the news of his passing, I am glad that he is no longer suffering. I will remember him for his playfulness and sarcastic humor. WORDS FROM NEPHEW - KYLE RYDER McGRATH Uncle Ken was a strong person. For as long as I can remember, he struggled with his health and beat the odds. Never have I met someone who fought for life the way he did. He changed our lives by marrying our amazing Aunt Mary Lou, and together, they adopted Kris. Uncle Ken will be missed, and remembered always. DAD ""I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my Dad you'll be."" R. Munsch I have always been proud to be your son. Love, Kris