Kenneth Dean McLaren

Kenneth D. McLaren, of Colorado Springs, passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2022. He was 75. Ken was born on April 25, 1947, in Huntington Park, CA, and graduated from Artesia High School in Artesia, CA in 1965.

"Ken" worked in the grocery business for over four decades, working his way up from box boy to store manager. He started with Lucky Stores in 1966, where he worked for over 20 years. Ken then spent a decade working for Hughes Family Markets, the family-owned and Los Angeles area chain, where he made lifelong friends. He also briefly managed a Wild Oats in Santa Monica, then set off on a Caribbean adventure in 2002 and supervised Schooner Bay Market, a gourmet full-service supermarket on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands until 2005. Finally, he returned to California to manage the upscale RJ Market in San Francisco, where he became a Nationally Certified Professional Food Manager. The grocery business was Ken’s pride, joy, and life's work. He poured his heart and soul into the business which showed to all colleagues, customers and patrons.

Ken spent his free time keeping in touch with close friends (many of them from high school), traveling with them on cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean, flying to family events in Florida, and taking vacations to his favorite place — Hawaii. His love of traveling began with a trip to Europe right out of high school, and numerous letters sent to his parents (saved in a box like many of his precious memories) recount his adventures.

After retiring in 2009, first to Long Beach and then to Colorado Springs, Ken enjoyed his solitude with an occasional cigar, a shot of good whiskey, and a trip to the local coffee shop. His retirement passions also included choosing thoughtful gifts for friends and family, often from local artists whom he liked to support. He also was a technology whiz, and enjoyed gifting others with the latest modern gadgets. Everyone who knew Ken knew how special he was. He was a gentle, kind soul who loved to reminisce and let family and friends know how much they meant to him.

Ken is survived by his brother, William McLaren, of Lakewood, CA, his nephew Ted McLaren of Phoenix, AZ, and an abundance of friends. We will miss him more than words can say.

There are no events planned, as he did not wish to have services. However, a private ceremony will be held at a later date to spread his ashes in his beloved Hawaii.

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