Kenneth Peter Cesmat

Kenneth Peter Cesmat was called home by his Lord and Savior on June 5, 2020 following a sudden cardiopulmonary event. Ken was born in Seattle, Washington on April 28, 1959 to Charles and Dorothea Cesmat. Ken attended Holy Rosary Catholic school and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1977 followed by two years at South Seattle Community College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed boot camp in 1980, a very proud moment for him. He later was honorably discharged.

Ken grew up in West Seattle where he enjoyed a very active home life as the middle child with three brothers and three sisters. They spent childhood summers at the family cabin on Whidbey Island where Ken enjoyed fishing, especially catching salmon. He was involved in many activities including basketball, baseball, hockey and photography. He purchased a 1975 Dodge and rebuilt the engine in his automotive class. He was active in Boy Scouts and participated in community service projects and extensive camping trips including a 50-mile canoe trip.

In spite of a serious bike accident at age 12 that miraculously didn’t leave him paralyzed, he pursued his love of cycling into adulthood. He biked many events including the Seattle To Portland ride multiple times. Ken rode long trips to visit people including Ellensburg, Oregon coast and 600 miles to Northern California. His passion for hockey began early in the back yard with his brothers on their homemade ice rink. He continued playing hockey as a teenager and he played in the adult league at Sno-King ice arena. He always loved following the local hockey teams and various other sporting events as well.

In his early 20’s, Ken struggled with the onset of mental illness that made life difficult. He was a true warrior and he battled fiercely for his independence to regain a meaningful and purpose filled life. Ken clearly and decidedly possessed true grit and an admirable spirit, all without complaining. Ken’s work history started early with local paper routes. He worked alongside his siblings at a small local restaurant and held other various jobs as well as volunteering for years at the West Seattle Foodbank and Mt. St. Vincent.

Ken’s faith in Jesus Christ was very important to him. His faith journey began at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and in his later years he attended Calvary Chapel of West Seattle and St. Paul’s of Shorewood Lutheran Church. Many members of these congregations loved Ken and enjoyed his inquisitive nature when it came to life, faith and the Holy Scriptures. Many church friends were like family to him. Ken was a gentle, kind and loving friend to so many. He thoroughly enjoyed striking up a conversation with anyone in person or on his frequent phone calls.

Surviving are his loving mother Dorothea, siblings Steven (Lana), Kathleen (Gary) Porter, Paul (Becky), Walter, Julie, Martha (Duane) O’Loughlin, 18 nieces and nephews, extended family members and many friends and neighbors who will dearly miss him.

We welcome you to view the service and a slideshow at this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/flbglravbm8s8q1/AADeLR-mQqgGL_TqDekf7681a?dl=0

Remembrances may be made on Ken’s behalf to: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington VA 22203. www.nami.org

We invite you to share your special memories of Ken on the tribute wall at www.emmickfunerals.com

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - West Seattle