Obituary of Kenneth L. Aitchison

Kenneth Lee (Pete) Aitchison, 60, of Seattle, died July 20, 2012, in Kirkland from complications of lung disease. He was the son of Eugene and Mary (Wynne) Aitchison. Ken was born in Bremerton and raised in Suquamish, Washington. He graduated from North Kitsap High School. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army twice, serving for a total of more than 12 years, and was a Vietnam veteran. On April 26, 1980, he married his best friend, Mary Celesta Casali. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in 1981. Through the years, Ken worked in many industries, some of which were banking, cellular and construction. Most recently, he was a Human Resources Manager. He belonged to a number of HR organizations that included Career Transition SIG, Seattle Job Initiative, Society of Human Resources Management and Lake Washington HR associations. Ken’s family was of primary importance to him. He, Mary and Jenny enjoyed traveling to fairs, festivals and family events together. Ken made a concerted effort to maintain loving relationships with his parents and siblings. His ‘family’ extended to everyone he met. He had a great love for woodworking, and spent many happy hours in his workshop. He also was an avid reader, especially sci-fi fantasy, mystery and American history. In the last few years, he discovered the “joy of cooking.” He had an extensive collection of cookbooks and multiple subscriptions to cooking magazines. He especially loved sharing his creations with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and daughter, Jennifer, of Seattle; his mother, Mary Aitchison, of Poulsbo; sister, Ruthellen“Penny” (Jim) Martinez of Bakersfield, California; brothers Larry of Salida, California, Terry (Deedra) of Seattle, Washington, Kevin (Piera) of Vicenza, Italy, Robert (Joleen) of Kingston , Washington. John (Jackie) of Suquamish, Washington; uncle Mike (Gaile) Wynne of Silverdale, Washington; 23 nieces & nephews and 41 great nieces & nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Boots to Shoes Foundation or other veteran support charity, or the charity of your choice. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Creekside Shelter in Gene Coulon Memorial Park in Renton on Aug 5th, 1-6 p.m.