Kenneth Howard McCutcheon Sr., 65 of Friday Harbor, WA passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2025. He was born and raised in Friday Harbor and remained a lifelong resident of the island he loved. Ken is survived by his brother, Mark McCutcheon; his children, Kenneth McCutcheon Jr., Michelle McCutcheon, and Jesse McCutcheon; his grandchildren, Joshua Fowler, Hailey McCutcheon, Nathan Fowler, Lucas Fowler, Nicholas McCutcheon, Reeve McCutcheon, and Romee McCutcheon; and his great-granddaughter, Paisley-Jade McCutcheon.
Ken was born on March 24, 1960, to John McCutcheon and Wanda (Pinkston) McCutcheon. He was the youngest of four children, growing up alongside his siblings Pat, Dairess, and Mark. Ken married Lavon Williams on May 1, 1979, and together they welcomed their first child, Kenneth McCutcheon Jr., in 1978. Over the next few years, their family grew to include a daughter, Michelle McCutcheon, and a son, Jesse McCutcheon.
At the age of 18, Ken began working for the Town of Friday Harbor, collecting residential waste as part of the sanitation department. Through years of hard work and dedication, he rose to become the head of the Street Department, a role he held until his retirement. Following his retirement from the Town, Ken remained active by working as a truck driver for his brother Mark at J&M Excavation.
Ken had a deep appreciation for hands-on work and was rarely without a project. Whether repairing small engines, building birdhouses, or crafting beautiful jewelry boxes, he found joy in creating and fixing. Ken spent countless hours around his property, tending to his garden, splitting firewood, or making improvements to his home and outbuildings. More than anything, he loved his family. His heart was full of pride and affection for his children, grandchildren, and most recently, his great-granddaughter. He was so excited to get to know her and add another generation to the circle of love he helped build. He was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his absence leaves a void that will be felt by his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be performed by Archie Brooks at Valley Cemetery 311 Madden Lane on May 17, 2025, at 10 am, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life at the San Juan Island Grange Hall on First Street. To share a memory of Ken please visit www.evanschapel.com