Ken Bertwell, 81, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother and uncle.
He was born to Jim and Opal Bertwell on April 25, 1936, in Cortez, Colorado, where he was raised and graduated from high school. He spent one year of college in Boulder, Colorado. Then he joined the U.S. Navy. He served on two submarines, the USS Tigerone and the USS Corporal; he served from 1955 to 1959. Ken’s crew was the last to serve on the USS Tigerone; his rank was EM3 (SS) (E-4). He was proud to have served his country.
Ken built Moab Lanes where it was set to open in June 1960. He was a very successful businessman with great help and dedication from Natalie Hettman. He was in business for almost 40 years, and he developed great friends and clients. He became a PBA member in 1980 and in his lifetime he bowled three 300 games. He served two terms as president of the Utah State Bowling Association, and he was a lifetime member of the C.U.T.B.A. Association. Ken made many friends over his 40 years in the bowling business. He met his wife of 55 years at the bowling alley in 1960; they later married in June 1961. They had 55 wonderful years together. He taught his kids good work ethics, morals and values. He was a very caring and devoted husband and father.
Ken was always helping someone in need; he would help them out of a bind. When traveling alone, he would always give hitchhikers a ride; he would have given his last dollar to anyone who needed it. He was a kind soul with a big heart and rough around the edges.
After retiring from Moab Lanes, he went to work at Mega Blue for about two years, then he did a lot of volunteer work for the Humane Society of Moab Valley. He volunteered for about 10 years. He was a very generous man when it came to his love for animals.
In 2007, Ken was inducted into the Utah State Bowlers Hall of Fame.
Ken enjoyed hiking with his dogs. He also enjoyed target practice, flying model planes, and – last but not least – bowling and his time with the family.
Ken is survived by his wife Shirley; children Bobby, Kerrie and Paula; one grandson, Brandon; a sister, Janet (Jeff) Jones; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Opal Bertwell; sister Yvonne Kenny; niece Edena Akin; and many aunts and uncles.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Thank you, Dad. We are all so very proud of you as a husband, father and as a Navy veteran for your service to this country. He was special to a lot of people, especially his family.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ken Bertwell’s name to: Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741, or to: Moab Animal Shelter, 965 Sand Flats Rd., Moab, UT 84532.
At Ken’s request, cremation has taken place and services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Spanish Valley Mortuary, with full military honors at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
