Ken passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 31, 2018, in Spokane. He was born June 19, 1959, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Lydia and Moises Juarez. He enjoyed Little League baseball, basketball and track while growing up, and later became a sport fisherman. He graduated with the Weatherwax class of 1977, and received a scholarship to play basketball at Green River Community College, where he graduated with an AA degree.

His early career took him around the globe. He played four years of professional basketball in the Philippines. He worked inside the pits on an international auto racing team that ran in 24-hour endurance races, including LeMans and Daytona. Ken was sent to Germany in the off-season to help build the team’s Porsche Concept cars. He also worked at an oil refinery as a buyer in southern California.

Ultimately, Ken moved back to Aberdeen with a goal of giving back to the kids of the community as a coach and umpire. He became the GHC women’s basketball coach for three seasons. He coached several other teams before becoming the JV and assistant varsity basketball coach at North Beach High School for 15 years. He was an umpire for over 20 years and recently retired from his position as president of the Grays Harbor Officials Association.

Ken will be sadly missed by many as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, coach and umpire.

He is survived by his daughter Amanda, son Kristopher and grandchildren Harmony, Olive and Julian, his brothers Moises, Ben (Arlana), and sister Janice (Robin) and several nieces and nephews. His parents and his brother Edward predeceased him.

A celebration of life will be held for Ken on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Rotary Log Pavilion, 1401 Sargent Blvd, Aberdeen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/ken-juarez-memorial or to the North Beach High School Basketball Program.