Kenneth Donald Serviss

Ken died peacefully at home with family by his side at the age of 93. The oldest of six children, Ken was born in Sand Point Id. & moved to the Kalama Wa. area at a young age. He was proceeded in death by his wife June of 47 years, & his daughter Eva O'Bannon. Ken is survived by his children, Arnott Serviss, Toni Woodward, Shelli Sheppler-Olmstead, Jeff Sheppler, 15 grandchildren,17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Ken went back & forth between public schools, & the Washington State School for the Blind. Ken Graduated from the Washington State School for the blind in 1948. He attended the Emil Fries School of Piano Technology for the blind (otherwise known as The Piano Hospital) he was in the first graduating class of three students, after the program went private. Ken started a great career as a piano tuner. Ken moved to Longview Wa, for a few years, working for Korten's Music, His career also took him to New York City for a few years, notably tuning for RCA Records, which included, tuning for celebrities, such as Diana Ross & Louis Armstrong. Upon return to Vancouver in the early 60's, Ken went to work for Emil Fries, & The Piano Hospital as Manager & instructor. Ken joined the Fort Vancouver Lions Club in 1963 & stayed an active member till his passing. Ken took pride in being a member of the Piano Tuners Guild for over 60 years, & served many rolls in that organization. Ken treasured his many customers & friends he had made through his career as a piano tuner. Ken also enjoyed teaching, & enriching others. In 2001 Ken was Awarded the Instructor of the Year Award by The Accrediting Commission of Career School & colleges of Technology. Ken also received the State of Washington Distinguished Volunteer Award, & the Community Organization of Handicap Volunteer Award. Ken had a strong belief in giving the same personal value and dignity to others that he had found in his career as a piano tuner. Being keenly aware of the world changes that affected those with special needs, Ken served on the C-Tran Citizens Advisory Board, volunteered with several other organizations. He also received a pen from The Columbian newspaper for the Wordsmith Award. He wrote several letters to the editor, always advocating for handicap issues. Ken was a member of the Columbia Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed the support and fellowship of the Men's Bible Study Group. Ken also had an unmatched love of cars, there wasn't a car show, or a museum he didn't like. He enjoyed membership in the Studebaker Drivers Club, & he got to do a "bucket list" trip of Route 66 in 2021. Ken enjoyed racing & was able to attend NASCAR races in Bristol Tn, The Indianapolis 500, Indy Car Races at Portland Intl. Raceway, & he did the Daytona Ride-Along Race Experience in Daytona Fl. Ken loved anything in the way of home made baked goods, especially if had any of the berries found in the Northwest. Ken also enjoyed an occasional trip to Busters, & Goldies Texas style BBQ, & a trip up the gorge to the Brigham fish house in Cascade Locks. A celebration of life will be held March 2nd at 12:30pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 N.E. 112th Ave. Vancouver Wa 98684Donations can be made in Kens name,School for the blindPacific Foundation for Blind Children2214 East 13th StreetVancouver, WA 98661.JaReda Webb, Executive Director Ph: 360-947-3324jareda.webb@pfbc1.orgKen serviss c/oFort Vancouver Lions ClubContact: Diane Cavanaugh

Kenneth Donald Serviss

November 5, 1930 - February 5, 2024