It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Lee Shank on August 17, 2024.

Ken was the third of eight children born to Theodore(deceased) and Arvilla (Edwards) Shank in Indiana, Pennsylvania on July 20, 1954. Following school, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army and attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in the Presidio of Monterey to learn Russian and was an interpreter/translator for part of his miliary career. He was an exceptional Army recruit, which took him all over America and to the shores of Japan. Following Ken’s discharge from Service in 1984, he relocated to work in Manhattan Beach and worked for numerous aerospace companies, the last company (Raytheon) being in Landover, Maryland.  In 1999 he was given the opportunity to relocate back to Southern California and worked as General Manager for Universal Screw Products, Inc. until the company was sold in 2017.  He continued working in manufacturing until his retirement in 2020.

Ken's special talent was a commitment to excellence. Upon discovering an interest, he dove headfirst and steadfast. Ken became a scratch bowler while in the Army; an unofficial gymnastics trainer; jogged every day and absolutely loved running half marathons with his daughter, Kirsten, especially the one with all the Disney characters. Ken enjoyed life at home, playing cards with friends, taking the dog for walks and was an avid fan of the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. And in his most recent phase of life, Ken was the funniest and most-loving grandfather.

Ken is preceded in death by his father, TheodoreShank; brother and sister-in-law, Ted & Toni Shank;and brother-in-law, Carl Johns. Ken is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, John (Annabel) Shank;daughter, Kirsten (Henry) Sierra; and grandson, Noah Sierra, as well as his mother, Arvilla Shank.  He is survived by his brothers Terry (Glenna) Shank, Denny (Shirl) Shank, and Kevin (Dorothy) Shank; sisters Karin (John) Serdynski, Cindy Johns, and Sally (Tim) Sanders; and sister-in-law Linda (Michael) Flanagan; and much-loved nieces and nephews.

Ken will be missed deeply, thought of often and loved always by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.