King County Executive Dow Constantine has issued a proclamation to honor and memorialize Ken Wise, known as "Mr. West Seattle" to many who passed away August 1, 2010. A memorial service will be held today Thursday, August 19 at 11 a.m. at Fauntleroy Community Church, 9140 California Ave. SW.

It reads:

King County
In Memorial

WHEREAS, Ken Wise was born in Seattle on October 31, 1930 to Robert and Bea Wise; and

WHEREAS, Ken and his sister, Lane, and brother, Gordon ("Oly"), were raised in West Seattle, where
Ken acquired his lifelong love of fishing, a sport he pursued around the world and enjoyed
with many friends and family; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from West Seattle High School and the University of Washington and
serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Ken went to work in his family business,
West Fuel, until it was sold in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Ken, known throughout West Seattle as ''Uncle Kenny," was an enthusiastic community
volunteer and served as a member and past president of the West Seattle Chamber of
Commerce and the Rotary Club of West Seattle, whose annual Christmas Shopping Spree
for kids, an event he initiated, always featured a visit from Ken as Santa Claus, a role he
played with skill, warmth, good humor, and a characteristic twinkle in his eye; and

WHEREAS, Ken was devoted to his family: wife, Anne; son, Tom; stepsons Martin, Bryan, and Robert
Bentrott; his sons' spouses; and 13 grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Ken, turned sleuth when the totem pole was stolen from the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint
Park last year, and worked with fellow Rotarian Duane Ruud and others to recover the
community artwork; and

WHEREAS, before he passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, August l, 20 10, Ken had the satisfaction
of knowing that the totem pole had been reinstalled in the park he helped create.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dow Constantine, Executive of King County, do hereby memorialize
Ken Wise on this the 17th day of August, 2010. I encourage all King County residents to join me in celebrating the
life of Ken Wise, and I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family, loved ones, and friends.

Dow Constantine
King County Executive