Kenneth Warren Pearce, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away
peacefully on July 6, 2024, at his home in Buena Vista, Colorado. Born January 24, 1941, in
Arkansas City, Kansas, he leaves behind a legacy of music, laughter, and community
involvement.
Ken’s educational journey began at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas. He later graduated
from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and
business administration. After gaining experience at Boeing and Sedgwick County, Ken’s
adventurous spirit led him to Colorado in 1972. His career flourished as a purchasing manager
for the City of Arvada, the School of Mines, and the Colorado Department of Transportation
(CDOT), where he was esteemed for his contributions.
Twenty-two years ago, Ken’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Leslie, at The
Timberline Tall Club in Denver. Their bond was unbreakable, and they shared countless
adventures together. Ken was a devoted father to Sheryl Hoopman and Doug Pearce, and a
cherished grandfather to Kyle Hoopman and Alyse Schmitt. His brother, Ernie Pearce, and
nieces, Janet Winchester and Sandi Pearce, were also integral parts of his life.
Music was Ken’s passion. A gifted drummer, he performed with a variety of bands, captivating
audiences with his talent and enthusiasm. From school bands to professional gigs, Ken’s
rhythmic prowess was undeniable. As he eloquently expressed, “I am that different drummer.”
Beyond music, Ken was a man of wit and humor, known for his quick wit and love of puns.
In 2014, Ken and Leslie found a new home in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he embraced the
community with open arms. He served as a docent and board member for the Buena Vista
Heritage, dedicating his time to preserving the area’s history. Ken was also an active member of
the Masonic community, finding camaraderie and purpose in his fraternal affiliations.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on August 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. in the Historic Chaffee
County Courthouse (museum) in Buena Vista, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to Buena Vista Heritage or a charity of your choice.
Ken’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Ken and Leslie were designed for each other. They each benefited from their mutual love. I remember Ken having loads of fun playing his drums with his Mason pals in a Christmas Parade of Lights in downtown Denver, many years ago. He was warm, sensitive, kind and always good company. He was a compulsive punster, spicing up any family gathering with his wit and humor. We will all miss him dearly.
I have many fond memories of Ken. I’ve known him since I was a child. He was always larger than life too me; a kind, humorous, gentle giant of a man that was always there for you if you needed him. Him and his brother Ernie were older brothers that I never had. He let me crash in his basement when I moved to Colorado, I saw him at many Xmas’s with our families. I am happy that he found Leslie and had such a good life with her. Cheers to you Ken and all the best to you Leslie.
I’m saddened to learn of Ken’s passing. I never got to know him well, both of us being rather quiet and focused as we occasionally worked out on adjacent treadmills at the gym, two seniors trying to stay fit. But I always appreciated his gentle, courteous nature and suspected there was a sharp wit somewhere behind that. I didn’t know there was an accomplished drummer. And I didn’t know of all the other ways he was involved in the community. What a dear, good man, and a loss to all who knew him and the community he served so well. With love and heartfelt condolences.
He was a great man and dad and was my best friend. He will be missed
Ken was my best friend at Derby Jr and High schools. We once climbed out my bedroom window to walk to McConnell because we saw a B36 fly over. He was my Best Man when I married Shelia. He and Leslie attended an aviation event in Kearney Nebraska. Many more fond memories and I encouraged him to become a Mason and Shriner. He IS missed but I have our memories.
Ken was my uncle, the younger brother of my father, Ernie. I am out of town, and sorry to miss the memorial for him. Here are some of my thoughts and memories of him.
Ken embodied the verses about love in 1st Corinthians 13.
He was patient with the young, old and everyone in between.
He was steadfastly kind,
loving toward everyone and
tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, even when someone wronged him. He did not insist on his own way.
He was always gentle. My earliest memory of him is of being a flower girl for his wedding and my four or five year old self didn’t do it all exactly as hoped but Ken didn’t scold me.
Ken had a quick sense of humor, loved to make others smile and laugh, and he could spin a pun out of the most mundane conversation, really, out of thin air.
He was generous with his time and effort and offered to help people when they were in crisis.
Ken was an excellent listener, asking in-depth questions to dig deep and understand others. He was also an encourager and helped people to see their potential and feel worthwhile when around him. I never saw him act irritably or resentfully.
He truly enjoyed creating things with his hands, and made amazing articles out of leather.
Ken loved spending time with family and hearing progress reports about the far-flung members.
He loved being outside and enjoyed all manner of machines to help him get there.
He did not whine about life’s speed bumps, even when his body endured many serious setbacks throughout his whole lifespan.
Ken walked securely through this life and was one of the biggest hearted men I have ever known. He endured some difficult things in his life but continued to love and to hope and to endure.
His love of Leslie was amazing. Ken really began to fully live once she came into his life.
It was an honor to be in the same family as Ken. His death leaves a hole in our family’s fabric that will be impossible to fill.
I would like to grow into being a little more like Ken.