FORSYTH, Kenneth Allen "Ken" - b. September 9, 1939 - d. February 2, 2019

[patyrn]

Kenneth Allen Forsyth, 79, passed away on February 2, 2019 at Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas.  He was born on September 9, 1939 to Allen and Bessie Forsyth in Howard, Kansas. 

Ken grew up in Howard and graduated from Howard High School in 1957.  After graduating from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas with a Bachelor's in Music and while completing his Master's in Music at Wichita State University, Ken met his partner in music and life, Joanne Rackley.  They married in 1971, and Ken happily adopted Joanne's three children, Patti, John, and Deana shortly after.  With his new family, Ken began a 43-year career in Kansas Music Education, sharing his love of music with students in Leon, Howard, Columbus, Marion, Salina, Wichita North, and Washburn Rural public schools.  He also taught at Friends University, McPherson College, and Southwestern College. 

Over the years, Ken received the KMEA Outstanding Choral Director of the Year, KCDA Harry Robert Wilson award, and was inducted in the Southwestern College Educators Hall of Fame, Washburn Rural High School Hall of Fame, and the KMEA Hall of Fame.

Ken (with Joanne, always a package deal) led the music programs in various churches including UMC Marion, UMC Salina, UMC Winfield, FBC of Wichita, and Countryside UMC in Topeka.  Through youth and adult choir trips, choir retreats, scavenger hunts, and choir parties, Ken and Joanne were always finding new ways to minister and share God's love through music.  Every stop left an eternal imprint, forever impacting the people and places they had been. 

Ken spent his life giving to others.  He gave his love and his attention to anyone who needed it.  He gave the gift of music to hundreds upon hundreds, from children to adult.  He loved meeting new people, and everyone he met was affected forever by his presence.  He was a humble and compassionate man.  He would have been the first to tell you that he was just one of many influences in others' lives.  However, through the outpouring of sympathy and memories his family has received, it is obvious his presence was a catalyst for greatness and a shining example of living a life of service and love.  He was the perfect representation of God's power to change the world through one individual.  His life will live on through each kind word given and each beautiful note sung or played by those who were lucky enough to meet Ken.

Ken is survived by four children, Patti (Tom), John (Deborah), Deana (Don) and Matt; eight grandchildren, Joel (Megan) Leann (Phillip), Katie, Rebecca, Joy (Robert), Reid(Ana), Abbie (Andrew), and Dashel; seven great-grandchildren, Rylee, Clayton, Kollin, Wesley, Grace, Malia, and Baby J; siblings, Paula Henry, Don (Dianna ) Forsyth, and Charles (Jodie) Forsyth; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Joanne.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road, Topeka, Kansas followed by funeral service at 3:00 p.m.  A private burial will be held at Marion, Kansas.  The family suggests donations in Ken's name to Countryside United Methodist Church of Topeka, Kansas or to the Kenneth A. Forsyth Memorial Scholarship at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southeast Chapel, Topeka, Kansas.  Condolences for the family may be left at www.DoveTopeka.com.

(taken from the Dove Cremations and Funerals website)