Kenneth E. Rydbom "DMD"

After a long and remarkable 94 years, Kenneth Everett Rydbom died peacefully and entered glory on August 4, 2010. How special to celebrate such a wonderful life… Ken was born in Kellogg, Idaho and raised in Usk, Washington by parents who immigrated from Sweden. He graduated from Cusick high school during the depression and worked at the Diamond Match Company before entering Washington State College where he majored in vocational agriculture and science. While in college, Ken participated in ROTC and upon graduation, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. Because of a childhood injury he was discharged before his unit was sent to Guadalcanal. Following his military service, Ken taught vocational agriculture at Colton High School where he met his wife, Helen. They were married on August 29, 1943 and she died the day after their 55th wedding anniversary. While Ken attended, and subsequently graduated from the University of Oregon Dental School, he and Helen lived, taught and serviced the needs of the children at the Washington School for the Blind. Ken’s first practice was in Umatilla, Oregon where they were blessed with two children, Michael and Sherrie. Shortly after they moved to Spokane, he began--what turned out to be-- a long and successful dental practice. He not only viewed his patients as clients but also considered them friends. After Helen’s death, Ken was embraced by the loving community at the Waterford where he participated in numerous activities. When asked by folks at that community what their impression of Ken was, they said he was “just a plain all-around nice guy.” He enjoyed spending quality time with many residents at the Waterford, especially his dear friend, Dorothy McClellan. Fishing, golfing, hunting and spending time at his Priest Lake home were favorite activities for Ken. He enjoyed reading, playing “Rydbom Rummy” with anyone he could entice to play, and was a member of the Waterford Wii bowling team. Throughout his entire life, Ken had an insatiable zest for knowledge. Much of his and Helen’s free time was spent traveling. They toured Europe, the Holy land, Middle East, Scandinavian countries and many more. Ken said he got tired of looking at museums, churches, castles, city halls, etc!!! Ken was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Spokane Club and various dental associations. Ken will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Sherrie Rydbom, son Michael (Carol) Rydbom, granddaughters, Jennifer (Justin) Warren, Jamie (Josh) Smart and great grandson Brendan Smart and many nieces and nephews. His older brother, Walter, his younger brother Stanley and his twin sister, Doris, preceded Ken in death. There will be a private family interment graveside service followed by a memorial celebration of his life on Monday, August 23 at 1:00 at the Waterford Retirement Center in Spokane.