Ken Engel

Ken Edward Engel of Eldersburg, Maryland passed away at home on May 23, 2006, after a long battle with cancer. He was 65.

Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Ken was the youngest son of Loretta Ann (Lovell) Engel and Edward Donald Engel. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy from 1979 to 1987 as a Boatswain’s Mate on the USS California (CG-36), the USS Simon Lake (AS-33), and at Naval Radio Station Sugar Grove. He later worked as the Ship’s Maintenance Foreman at Inactive Ship’s Maintenance Facility in Portsmouth, VA, where he was recognized for investing in the people he worked with, and for his innovative solutions to rigging large equipment out of ships in the Navy’s mothballed fleet for re-use in active ships, an effort that supported a critical strategic initiative for the Navy. He showed his love for animals as a veterinary tech for several years in Eldersburg. As a small-engine mechanic, he was known for his honesty, fairness and attention to detail, and he often traveled to customers’ homes to repair equipment, making life a little easier for those he served.

He had a mischievous smile and a great sense of humor. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. He felt a deep spiritual connection in nature, especially during walks with his golden retriever, Gracie.

Ken is survived by his wife of 40 years, two children, and three grandchildren.