Kenneth E. Pike, Sr, passed peacefully from this world into heaven, surrounded by family, on June 22, 2024, at the age of 87.
Kenneth was born April 29, 1937, to Oliver and Frances Pike in Ravenna, Ohio. He grew up in Middlefield, and lived in Chagrin Falls and Hiram Ohio. He was valedictorian of his high school class in 1955 and traded his dream of attending Kent State University to start a business with his brother Don. At 19, Ken was managing Springbrook Farms, one of the largest turkey farms in northeast Ohio. Ten years later, Ken transferred his strong work ethic and management skills to New England Life where he helped hundreds of families with financial planning. Throughout his long and successful career, he earned many awards and was proud of the fact that he only had one job interview and one boss (himself), his entire life.
Ken was a generous and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband, brother, mentor, and friend to many.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Earl Eastin of Huntsville, Alabama and his sister-in-law, Ann Pike, in Lakeland; his devoted wife of 35 years, Damaris Peters Pike, his first wife and mother of his children, Donna Kneier Anderson, his children: Ken Jr. and Beth Pike, Julie and Rick Kleshinski, Valerie and JC Chaudhry, and Susie Pike; his grandchildren: Ashleigh, Kenny and Summer, Courtney and RJ, Ryan and Catherine, Andrew and Danielle and Samina. Ken was blessed with nine beautiful great grandchildren: Rory, Willa, Rowan, Mellie, Madison, Rogan, Reed, Ranger and Juniper. He is also survived by stepchildren Dave (Hazel) Peters, Jan Daum (Rod Dahl), Carrie (Curt) Icard and five step-grandchildren, Beth, Rachel, Freddy, Anne, and Michael.
Ken learned to play tennis at an early age on the public courts in Middlefield, a hobby he enjoyed for many decades at Chagrin Valley C.C., Racquet Club East, Hiram College, and on Sanibel Island. Other hobbies included working in the yard, making his kids pick up rocks in the garden, giving generous gifts to loved ones and strangers in need, cracking jokes, shooting-the-moon when playing Hearts, and giving rides on his golf cart. Yet another passion was history, particularly the Civil War. He toured battlefields, collected memorabilia, and supported the Civil War Trust.
Always the entrepreneur, Ken raised his family on 50-acres near Chagrin Falls, and then developed the property into the beautiful community of Sun Ridge Lane. Ken was an excellent fundraiser and a devout Catholic; he started the annual chicken barbeque at both St. Joan of Arc in Chagrin and St. Ambrose in Garrettsville over 50 years ago. In 2012 Ken was honored with the Hiram College President’s Award for his generosity to the college and the community. Ken was a good and faithful servant and gave freely of his time, talents, and treasure.
For 35-years, Ken & Damaris were snowbirds and enjoyed winters at “Pike’s Place” on Sanibel Island. Unforgettable family memories were made in that magical place – especially on Christmas and New Year’s Eve!
Ken’s smile, easy laugh, and warm hugs will be very missed. In his memory, a service will be held in Dunedin, Florida later this summer. Friends and family are welcome. (The celebration will also be available online.) Cards of remembrance to be shared with the family may be sent to: Ashleigh Pike, 1467 Loman Court, Palm Harbor, FL 34683.
Though Ken is gone from our sight, we are comforted knowing he was welcomed warmly into Heaven by Jesus, our Lord and Savior, his brother, Don, and mother, Frances. We look forward to the day when we will all be reunited!
