Rest in Peace, Dear Brother

It’s going to be a bit quiet around here for a while.  My brother passed away unexpectedly yesterday morning at home in Montgomery.  We don’t yet know the cause, but it looks like either a heart attack or stroke.  It was very quick; he was gone before the paramedics arrived.  His partner is devastated, as are all of us.  He was too young to go.

Some of you knew Ken from his work with Equality Alabama and other civil rights organizations.  I’ll post his obituary when we finish it.  There will be a memorial service later this week; we don’t have everything set right now, but if you want to attend, email me at birminghambluesATbellsouthDOTnet, and I’ll send you the details.

35 Responses to “Rest in Peace, Dear Brother”

  1. Katharine Says:

    Oh, Kathy! What a shock! I’m so sorry. Hugs to Ken’s partner and to you and your family.

  2. mooncat Says:

    (((((((Kathy)))))))

    I’m so sorry.

  3. Helen Says:

    So sorry, Kathy. Your loss is also the entire community’s. Ken truly made a difference and will be sorely missed.

  4. Melissa McEwan Says:

    I’m so sorry, Kathy. My deepest condolences.

    If there’s anything I can do, let me know.

    (((hug)))

  5. joe Says:

    Kathy I am very sorry about your brother Ken, and I know both you and Ken’s partner are devestated. Your personal loss is our community loss and he will certainly be missed.

  6. Bhmhomeboy Says:

    My deepest condolences to the family.

  7. Darryl Hunt Says:

    I’m very sorry, Kathy. My thoughts are with you and Ken’s partner. It’s been a rough year for you and in spite of all that, you have provided terrific service to Greater Birmingham Ministries. Thanks for alll you do.

  8. Del Says:

    Oh Kathy, I’m so sorry.

  9. Jennifer Says:

    I am so so sorry. I wish there were words to take all the pain away, but there are none. At least he’s in a better place now, where there are no squirrels. :-( I love you and keep us posted on the memorial details.
    J

  10. Kathy Says:

    Thanks, everyone.

  11. Cindi Says:

    Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Our prayers are with you and Ken’s partner during this difficult time.

  12. Don Says:

    May God be with your family and Ken’s partner and friends as He welcomes Ken’s soul.

  13. anna Says:

    I am so sorry Kathy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.

  14. Mixter Says:

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    Mixter

  15. Tricia Says:

    My condolences, Kathy.

  16. LizW Says:

    Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

  17. Pam Spaulding Says:

    Kathy, I can’t imagine losing my brother. Kate and I are so sorry to hear about your loss and our hearts go out to you, Ken’s partner, and all of his familyand friends.

  18. Tom Hilton Says:

    Kathy, I am so sorry. My deepest condolences.

  19. Randal Graves Says:

    I share the sentiments of everyone else here.

  20. Songbird Says:

    Kathy, I’m so sorry for your loss.

  21. Our Condolence » Doc’s Political Parlor Says:

    [...] heart aches for friend and fellow Alabama blogger Kathy whose brother died unexpectedly [...]

  22. spyderkl Says:

    I’m so sorry, Kathy. Our hearts are with you and your family. *hugs*

  23. petulant Says:

    Kathy, I hope you continue your brother’s work. Too many of us, myself included, sometimes forget all the hard work required for equality. Men (and women) like your brother make this world better. In gradual and diligent steps there will hopefully be a unified acceptance.

    Cherish the memories of the simple loving laughter of your brother and move forward with the steps he would want for the future.

    Peace be with you and I hope you get through this difficult time.

  24. walt moffett Says:

    Sorry to hear. My condolences. Empty sadness will be replaced with memories of your brother and his life. They will comfort more than words.

  25. Jean Says:

    I know no words beyond “I am so sorry”. May you and all who loved him have lots of hugs.

  26. BAC Says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Please share with his partner that all of you are in my thoughts during this sad time.

    BAC

  27. rest in peace, ken baker « yikes! Says:

    [...] 14th, 2007 · No Comments Blue Gal has posted that Kathy of Birmingham Blues lost her brother this past weekend. It’s a short sentence, but it’s a powerful one: He was an activist. [...]

  28. Blue Momma Says:

    I’m delurking to say how sorry I am to hear of the passing of our brother. My sincerest condolences to you, your family and his partner.

  29. Kathy Says:

    Thanks again, everyone.

  30. Nobody in Particular Says:

    Kathy, my deepest condolences. We’ve lost another civil rights hero. You and your family have my most sincere sympathies and respects.

  31. Lisa in Hoover Says:

    I’ve been out of town and just now read of your brother’s death. My condolences to all of you - he was obviously a person who made a difference in the lives of family, friends, and the human race.

  32. Batocchio Says:

    Condolences. I lost my dad about a year ago now, quite suddenly, and it’s very tough. So sorry for you and all that loved and respected your brother and his important work.

  33. FranIam Says:

    Please accept my thoughts of peace and healing for you at the time of this loss.

  34. Moderate Libby Says:

    Kathy, I so wish that our words could take away your pain. My heart breaks for you and your family and I pray that you find peace with this loss.

    I believe that our loved ones do not leave us, that they are beside us in their spirit. I just know that your brother is watching and is so proud of the work that you will continue to do. The love and courage that you show through your activism will make his star even brighter.

    Peace be with you, Our Friend.

  35. Kathy Says:

    Thanks again. This has been a dreadful week, but we’ll make it.

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