Kenneth R. Sinness

Hamilton - Kenneth Robert Sinness, 67, of Hamilton passed away quietly in his sleep Friday, December 4th while at home.

Ken was born on June 24th, 1942 to Palmer and Eva Sinness in Leeds, North Dakota. He was the first of 6 children and spent the first 17 years of his life on a farm in Minnewaukan, North Dakota. Upon graduating high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy. After a couple of years, he was selected for the NESEP program, ultimately attending Marquette University through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program. Ken received his officer commission in November of 1966, continuing his service in various places around the world, including Vietnam.

While stationed on Treasure Island in San Francisco in 1972, Ken met and married Cheryl June Sliker. While married, they lived all over the world, including Rhode Island, Yokosuka, Japan, Monterey, California, Guam and Virginia. It is in Virginia that Ken finally retired in July of 1980. While stationed abroad, he and Cheryl became parents to Christopher, born in Japan, and Kirsten, born in Guam.

After retirement from the Navy, the family moved to Bothell, Washington, and started a new career in Telecommunications with companies such as FirstTel, GTE, USWest, AirTouch and Verizon Wireless. After another 20 years of working, Ken and Cheryl finally retired for good, making Hamilton, Montana their home.

Ken spent his retired years tutoring high school math students in his dining room, which ultimately resulted in a short teaching stint at the high school. He was also involved with Habitat for Humanity, loved building birdhouses in his workshop and having friends and family over for meals. And like most Montana transplants, he became an ardent fly-fisherman. He also enjoyed drives to Lost Horse and the Skalkaho Falls, taking almost everyone who ever visited to those great places.

Just a few months ago, Ken went on a 7 week road trip, visiting family and long lost friends, as well as a few states he had never been too. His strength and determination to complete his journey, while not surprising to those who knew him well, has been inspirational to many others. Ken will be missed every day.

While the loss of his wife Cheryl in February was devastating, he was grateful daily for his family, friends, neighbors and the entire Hamilton community for helping him move forward, providing meals and company.

Ken is survived by his son Christopher, daughter-in-law Jessica, granddaughter Natasha Sinness of Helena, MT, and daughter Kirsten Sinness of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by his brothers, Roger (Peggy) Sinness of Tempe, AZ and Curt (Suzann) Sinness of Devil's Lake, ND, and sisters, Linda Rocamontes of Crowley, TX, Debra Sinness of Mesa, AZ, and Marilyn Hargens of Apple Valley, MN.