Kenneth G. Rubin

“We should not remember someone for the years of their life but for the life in their years.”   - A. Lincoln

Ken Rubin of Houghton, MI. passed away on Sunday Feb. 22. The years that he spent with his family and friends were full of life and his family would like to share some quotes from the cards and letters they received after his passing.

Nearly all of Ken’s working life was spent with the Boys and Girls Club. He started as a Youth Development Associate, worked his way up through the organization to become the Executive Director of the clubs in Toledo and went on to become Regional Service Director, winning a prestigious national leadership award along the way. Since his retirement in 2013 he has remained in close contact with BGCA and here is an excerpt from one of the cards we received. “The strength you provided to me and to so many others throughout your career at Boys and Girls Clubs is flowing back to you.”

Ken was known as a great handyman – “Somehow Ken and I got into a discussion about water heaters. I knew immediately that I would like this guy. A random encounter that blossomed into an enduring friendship.”

He was an enthusiastic drummer – “There is nothing like the friend connections we made in drumming. I will miss you. Remember the heart is the symbol of the beat of the drum.”

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed all types of fishing. Even as his health challenges became increasingly difficult he still found a way to enjoy fishing, sitting in a folding chair on his dock -  “I don’t know what waits for you on the other side, but I’d like to think that there’s a big trout stream in the sky and that some day we’ll meet up streamside to cast a few dry flies together.”

Ken was an accomplished outdoorsman who shared his expertise – “I will miss our camping adventures and bike rides. I’ll miss your sound advice with bike mechanics. I’ll think of you when I go x-country skiing and paddling my kayak up the channel past your house. I will miss you.”   

One of his happiest places on earth was his beloved Isle Royale. If the island could speak, it might say something like this, “I will miss feeling your footsteps treading on my trails even when your boots fall apart and you hike in your Crocs. You thought I didn’t notice it when you secretly cached your backpacking food under one of my shelters, but I’ll keep your secret. Safe journey.”

Ken was known for the depth and breadth of his friendships – “Ever since I met you, I’ve had you on a pedestal reserved for stellar human beings. After seeing your strength and courage on Saturday, the pedestal is a little taller. “Many times, and in many ways his friends have expressed it this way, “Your friendship has been a bright spot in our lives.”

His family was the center of his world – “I know you are so proud of your sons, and you have been a big help to them. It was so special that you could move up here and live next to your son’s family and watch your grandchildren grow up. Both your grandchildren are doing so well.”

Ken is survived by his wife his wife, Linda, his son David and his partner Jenn, his son Kyle and his wife Jen, his grandchildren Corinne and Brady, his sister Francy and her husband Tom, his nephew Troy and his mother-in-law Gert Orginski-Sprencel.  A celebration of life will be scheduled in warmer weather. Friends and family will be notified when plans are finalized.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Clubs at bgctoledo.org/donations

 To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.

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