From Generation Rescue

[Guest guest]

Ken Humphrey Passes

Ken Humphrey from Kirkman Group was honored and buried today in Portland, Oregon. Ken was a kind and honorable man who changed his life to help children with autism. He was one of the first vitamin makers to help our community in the early days. I hold a special place in my heart for people who do not have a child with autism, but somehow find their way to helping families who do. This past year I had the opportunity to spend some time with Ken when I visited Kirkman to talk about our Rescue Family Program; a program that will help provide doctor visits and vitamins to families who want to begin biomedical treatment but cannot afford it. After my presentation to the Kirkman staff, he and his wife Helen immediately walked over and hugged me. Ken said, "Just let us know what you need." That was Ken.Our thoughts are with his family, friends and staff. Ken, we remain grateful for your foresight, dedication and service to the families in our community.Stan KurtzGeneration Rescue

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Obituary of Kent (Ken) Burton HumphreyKent (Ken) Burton Humphrey was born March 3, 1923 at his family's farm near Grandin, North Dakota. He was the third oldest of five surviving children born to Bernard and Lena Humphrey. Ken was raised by his aunt and uncle but maintained close relationships with his siblings Audrey (deceased), Blake, Tom and Budd, throughout their lives. Ken met Helen Brauten, when they worked for the same company in North Dakota. It was "love at first sight" according to both Ken and Helen. Married on June 30, 1944, they shared a remarkable love story and marriage for 64 years.Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and after officer's training, earned the rank of Lieutenant J.G. He served in the Pacific during most his war duty and also participated in the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. After he left the military in 1946, Ken and Helen moved to Oregon where they began their family. Janet (Harbert) was born first, in Eugene, followed by and who were born in Portland.Ken also established a long and successful business career in Oregon starting as a manager of a chemical company. His entrepreneurial interests led to the development of many successful businesses that included founding the Humphrey Corporation in 1970, which became the largest manufacturer of frisbees in the world. In 1982, he bought Kirkman Laboratories (renamed Kirkman Sales), a company that sold most of the world's prescription fluoride. He made a significant change in the business direction of that company after a series of meetings with the renowned autism researcher and psychologist, Dr. Bernard Rimland. Dr. Rimland inspired Ken to dedicate his business energies and talent to Dr. Rimland's mission of improving the lives of children with autism, which Ken continued to do for the rest of his life. Ken had a unique gift of inspiring others around him with his optimistic view of life, his love of "ideas," and his generosity and compassion for people in need. To his children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren he leaves a legacy of strength in service to others.