In Loving Memory of Ken Noreen (1942–2025)
Saturday, April 26, 2025
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| Ken Noreen 1942-2025 |
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, mentor, and friend, Ken lived a remarkable life of passion, service, and joy.
Ken was the beloved husband of Pearl for 59 years, a loving father to Kevin and Kirk, father-in-law to Kate Noreen and Kate McIntosh, and cherished “Far Far” to his grandchildren Karina, Kierin, Cole, and Madeleine.
His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was both boundless and inspiring.
He was born in Everett, Washington, to Albert and Annie Noreen. He graduated from Everett high school. A proud alumni of the University of Washington, where he earned both his BA and MA in music education,
He was born in Everett, Washington, to Albert and Annie Noreen. He graduated from Everett high school. A proud alumni of the University of Washington, where he earned both his BA and MA in music education,
Ken went on to shape generations of students during his 48-year career as a music educator.
Ken also left his musical mark on the broader public, serving as the Director of Music for the Seattle Supersonics and working with the Husky Marching Band from 1965 to 1982. A recipient of recognition from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), for performing and providing live music for the Seattle Sonics.
Beyond music and education, Ken was a true Renaissance man—real estate agent, travel agency owner, real estate investor, and passionate traveler. A season ticket holder and loyal fan of the Seattle Mariners for more than 40 years, he never passed up a chance to cheer on his team or enjoy a root beer float from Dick’s Drive-In.
Those who knew Ken will remember him as inspirational, kind, generous, and full of life. He believed in people, in possibilities, and in making the most out of every moment. He was a man of deep integrity, relentless energy, and unwavering commitment to his community.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in June, where family and friends will gather to honor the man who taught not just music—but how to live life to the fullest.
In his honor, we toasted his remarkable life with one of his favorite simple pleasures—a root beer float from Dick’s.
He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
A music scholarship has been created in Ken’s name with the Shoreline Community College Foundation - https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx
He served as the band director at Shorecrest High School for 24 years, followed by another 24 years as the band director at Shoreline Community College.
His commitment to excellence in music education extended statewide: he served as President of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) from 1986 to 1988 and was inducted into the WMEA Hall of Fame.
Ken’s impact reached far beyond the classroom. He was a founding member of both the Shoreline Arts Council and the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.
Ken’s impact reached far beyond the classroom. He was a founding member of both the Shoreline Arts Council and the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation.
He was a founding member of the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club and served as president and program chair. He was a tireless advocate and generous supporter of local institutions including the Dale Turner YMCA, the Shoreline Community College Foundation, and the Cedar Building Fund.
His service and dedication were honored through numerous awards, including:
- the Christa McAuliffe Award for Educational Leadership from the State of Washington in 1991,
- the WMEA Leadership Award,
- the Shoreline Community College Student Success Award,
- the heART Award from the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council,
- the Shoreline School District - Award of Merit “In appreciation of support of Youth Athletics and Activities,”
- Western Washington University Music Faculty - Recognition for career of leadership in music education and
- the City of Shoreline “Star” award 1995-2005.
Ken also left his musical mark on the broader public, serving as the Director of Music for the Seattle Supersonics and working with the Husky Marching Band from 1965 to 1982. A recipient of recognition from Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), for performing and providing live music for the Seattle Sonics.
Beyond music and education, Ken was a true Renaissance man—real estate agent, travel agency owner, real estate investor, and passionate traveler. A season ticket holder and loyal fan of the Seattle Mariners for more than 40 years, he never passed up a chance to cheer on his team or enjoy a root beer float from Dick’s Drive-In.
Those who knew Ken will remember him as inspirational, kind, generous, and full of life. He believed in people, in possibilities, and in making the most out of every moment. He was a man of deep integrity, relentless energy, and unwavering commitment to his community.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held in June, where family and friends will gather to honor the man who taught not just music—but how to live life to the fullest.
In his honor, we toasted his remarkable life with one of his favorite simple pleasures—a root beer float from Dick’s.
He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
A music scholarship has been created in Ken’s name with the Shoreline Community College Foundation - https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx
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17 comments:
He was an amazing teacher! He will be missed.
Mr. Noreen was a great, positive influence in my life. He provided me many fond memories and I will celebrate his life.
Kipp Fisher
Drum Major Class of 1973
Heading out to play a gig tonight. Will play my best for his memory! RIP Ken Noreen.
I was so lucky to know Ken as a student and musician at Shorecrest. He will be missed.
At 16, traveled to Europe with band, orchestra & choir with Mr & Mrs Noreen & 90 high schoolers from the Shoreline District. Changed my life! Wonderful role model & mentor. Amazing to think he was only 34 at that time. Thank you Mr. Noreen for your dedicationto young people through music & travel.!
Band was the coolest thing going at Shorecrest High School. Ken’s passion and kindness impacted all of us. He took initiative to create incredible experiences for students. We marched at Disney World, the Inaugural Parade for President Bush, competed in Alaska, Canada, and Portland. Such amazing memories! So grateful.
The Noreen's were great family friends of ours, and Ken was an equally amazing educator, father and husband.
I am a dedicated band director for 27 years because of Ken. He told me I had what it takes! I think about him every week. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he influenced including mine. He changed my life!! Proud to have had him as a teacher. Class of 93.
I believe that I had Ken as a teacher his first year as a teacher. About a decade ago I discovered a mutual acquaintance who called Ken and I got to talk to him. He remembered me!! Great person!
From 1966 at Butler jr. High through 1970 at Shoreline High , Mr Noreen was my drum and music teacher . He stuck with me and my antics . My favorite teacher of all time . I learned stage band and the drum set through his patience ! I’m so grateful for his gift of sharing music that has inspired me to continue and enjoy playing !
I’ll beat out an old cadence in his honor today .
I worked with Ken for many years. . We did a number of transactions together. I do not remember one bad moment doing business with him. I also played many a round of golf with him. Frequently with Wayne Meyers and Warren Murphy. All 3 of them were much older than me. Not once did they ever treat me like the tag a long. Frequently they all have gave me advice that to this day I follow. RIP in peace Ken knowing you made a difference in many people's lives including mine.
Shorecrest band 1985-1989. Ken facilitated so many lifelong memories and unique experiences for which I'm eternally grateful. I consider myself lucky to have been one of his students. As a Navy veteran, and due to the included photo above; I bid you Fair winds and following seas. Thank you for everything!
He was a good family friend.
My prayers go out to his family.
Rest in Peace. 🙏
Ken Noreen was a mentor and a friend! He had a way about him that was like none other. Soft and gentle and strong and a total bad ass! You knew exactly where you stood with him because he was a straight shooter and always honest with his instruction. I’ve seen him numerous times since graduation and he has always been a blessing and always a big hug and a hi Shawn! Rest in peace KEN you will be missed.
Ken was an enthusiastic and kind teacher. In his early years he was at Butler Jr High and got me interested in Jazz (piano, clarinet, sax). I have fond memories.
I was lucky enough to be in Marching and Symphonic Band as well as a Teacher Assistant with Ken for 3 years. As a section leader I saw all the background work required for halftime shows and parades, as well as transportation and logistics to get a 146-member band to the Tournament of Roses parade and Tiajuana in 1975 was a monumental task. His love for music and teaching drove his passion. I'll always remember the time he let me drive his station wagon to the music store to buy sleigh bells so the band could perform the song Sleigh Ride. Very memorable for a 17 year old and a very trusting Teacher. I like to think some of his work ethics have guided me through life. A sad loss of a great man.
What a wonderful teacher. I wasn’t in band but being in choirs for many years and friends with our beloved Neil we often crossed paths. Rest in peace.
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