Ken Beasley - May 26, 1944 - Feb. 9, 2018

In Loving Memory

Ken Beasley, who was a loving husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, teacher, and principal, passed away on February 9th, 2018. He was 73. Ken was born May 26, 1944, in Richmond, CA, to Wilbur Beasley and Mary Ghigonetto Beasley. Ken spent the first part of his life in the bay area of California, and when he was 14, moved with his family to their place on the South Fork of the Clearwater River in Idaho. Ken loved the country life, which included a pet pig and elk, cows, sledding, swimming, and floating the river. After graduating from high school in 1962, Ken went to Lewis and Clark State College. Four years later, he graduated with a teaching degree and began his first job in Waitsburg School District as a science teacher. His former students quote that he taught with passion and humor, that he was strict but fair, and that he challenged everyone to be their best. While in Waitsburg, Ken embraced the cowboy life of raising quarter horses and team roping. He enjoyed spending time with his closest teacher friends and their spouses. In 1983, he met Pam Nolan who began teaching junior high classes and high school Spanish in Waitsburg, and the two became best of friends. After a few months, Ken and Pam began dating. They were married August 8th, 1987, while both were at WSU, Pullman, pursuing Masters Degrees. In 1988 they moved back to Waitsburg. Ken and Pam adored each other, taking adventurous trips, camping, laughing, wine tasting, and renovating their home. Ken and Pam’s first son, Zachariah, was born in 1990, and their second, Austin, in 1993. Ken felt his greatest joy in life was being a husband and dad. He had the ‘Beasley Performing Arts Music Hall’ built for their band practices and followed all of their church, music, academic and sports activities. Ken was a softie for his sons, which included giving them money they were challenged to keep secret from Mom. In 2003, Ken stepped into the role of high school principal. He worked tirelessly to mentor, lead, and support his colleagues; he was an innovator and problem-solver. His ultimate goal was to ensure a successful experience for each and every Waitsburg High School student.

After retiring as principal, Mr. Beasley spent a few years working part – time as Waitsburg School District’s I.T. Support, along with aiding numerous community members. Ken was generous beyond measure, kind, loyal, and strong. He had a stern exterior but was truly gentle, with a huge heart. Ken Beasley was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joyce, all from Grangeville, Idaho. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pam, in Waitsburg, sons Zach and Austin, adopted daughter, Grace, three grandchildren, beloved siblings, relatives and dear friends that will miss him greatly. Memorial gifts will fund the newly created Ken Beasley Science and Technology for Kids Foundation.

Memorial services were held Monday in the Waitsburg High School Gymnasium. Friends and family may send condolences or sign the online guest book at http://www.mountainview-colonialdewitt.com