ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Ken Friedli, who passed away on June 19, 2022. Ken's spirit lives on in each of us and our cherished memories and friendship.  
July 3, 2022
July 3, 2022
“Good morning, Mr. Friedll”…I said every weekday morning for so many years! He seemed grumpy, but I knew otherwise. Ken was a mush. He loved his family more than words can express. I loved working for this incredible man; I hope he knew. His smile will light my heart forever. ❣️
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
We are all incredibly saddened by this news. Ken was our CFO at AnLar and OtisEd and helped guide all of us with his patented calm but witty demeanor. Ken's experience and financial understanding dwarfed all of our knowledge, yet he was always a teacher/mentor, never impatient with our different ways of trying to approach our finances. And even more, Ken tried to understand our way of doing things and help us, even despite all his years of experience and "truths" he brought from the finance world. He made the effort to try to get us. He was truly unique in the skills and ways he navigated his work.

Ken also went along with our company's many quirky attempts at humor. When we initially started working together, I told him we have an informal work environment so do NOT wear a suit. Even though he came from a world where suits were the norm, he showed up with a small kid's clip-on tie, clipped to his t-shirt, reminding us that we can take him out of corporate America, but we can't take the corporate American out of him. :) And, the following week, in true Ken style, he quietly mailed me a similar kid's clip-on tie. He also went along with our many pranks, as a co-conspirator or the prank recipient. Our favorite: one time when he came to the office, we ordered lunch for all of us from Chipotle. He was particular about what he ordered, so we ordered his exact meal, but when it arrived, someone switched it out with a "salad" of black olives and sprouts, apparently some of his most despised foods. It took him 2 seconds to realize it, but the look on his face initially was priceless.

This is the type of relationship he had with all of us, a part-time client of his for a few years. I can not imagine the impact he had on the rest of the world with folks over the years. Ken, you will be truly missed by all of us at AnLar and OtisEd. We are all feeling a deep loss from this news, and we find it difficult to even write this note to you and your family.

And to Ken's family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband/dad was such a gift to all of us. Thank you for sharing his time and expertise with all of us. We all hope that, gradually, the seeming void he's left, will fill more and more with a feeling of his warmth, humor, and love.
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Ken was my “wing man” in mostly our single days in DC. We hung out a couple times a week, either on a weekend camping trip to Skyline Drive, minor league ball game, day trip to the eastern shore, Dewey/Rehoboth, hiking up Old Rag, or sitting at a pub in Old Towne Alexandria checking out the Johnny Artis Band, or just a folk singer which was probably his favorite. Ken could sit at a campfire and recite with much embellishment famous poems and stories by heart. We took the same route to work up the GW Parkway and would pass each other fighting the traffic. And yes, we took line dancing lessons together at a sleepy country western bar at the top of King Street, as an extra edge in our hope to find the perfect girl. Then Ken met Chrissy and his love of life grew and a more calm Ken perhaps, although he was always pretty calm. I moved south to Charleston and we each grew into another stage of our young lives. Ken was a friend, a constant soundboard for younger life, and at the same time a wise, old soul with a calm voice in practicality and advice. Corny as it may sound, but very true, although I could not attend his memorial service, as I was driving during the service, and the song Spirit in the Sky came on the radio and I knew he was there. Although the world will be a less special place without Ken I know he left an impact of himself on all us a thousand-fold. RIP Ken.
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Ken was an amazing colleague and mentor. I am so grateful for having spent the past year learning from him. The Giant Oak family is heartbroken; Ken affected everyone here. He brought tremendous confidence and calm to our professional lives. We are continuously engaged in prayers of strength and healing for the Friedli family.
June 24, 2022
June 24, 2022
I owe so much to my Uncle Ken and the Friedli family. Growing up, whenever i got to see him i was always SO excited to spend time with Uncle Ken. He just “got” kids. He treated me with such kindness, but also joked around with me like no adult i knew. His sarcasm, and smirking always made me roll with laughter, and make me feel so comfortable in intimidating situations. I will never forget the time spent in the backyard of their maywood house juggling a soccer ball and just joking and talking about nothing. He was such a grounding force.

Then when i was 16 Ken and Chris invited me to spend the summer with them. To welcome in family from the other side of the country, for the sole purpose of being kind and seeing a girl that could use adventure and a change in perspective…. To say it changed my life would be an understatement. He was such a positive role model for me. To see someone so hardworking, so fun, and so family oriented. He was always such a great teammate to my aunt Chris, and a selfless father to Josie, Parker, and Grayson. He took me to see the fireworks on 4th of July at the mall, a MLS soccer, countless incredible dinners all together, and Chris and i got to sneak off the NYC… what an incredible thing to do for a quiet and shy teenager. 

I can not say enough about how kind Ken has always been to me, and how lucky i was to have him in my life. I hope one day that i can pass on some of that life changing generosity as well.
June 24, 2022
June 24, 2022
I thought the world of Ken and loved working with him. Chris was the only member of the family that I met in person but I really felt like I got to know Josie, Parker, and Grayson through the many stories he told of his family. It was obvious how much he loved you all. I wish I could somehow take away the pain you all are feeling but I hope that all these amazing memories you have of him will bring you some peace. The love he had for his family is palpable in the beautiful photos - thank you for sharing them. I will miss Ken.
June 24, 2022
June 24, 2022
To the many who loved him, especially Chris, Josie, Parker & Grayson, we wish you peace and strength in this heartbreaking time. Ken was a joy to be around and will be missed by so many. May you find the light and happiness he brought living on in your hearts.

Cheryl, Chris & Elena Green
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
I’ve known Ken since he won the heart of one of my high school besties, Chris, way back when! At first, I couldn’t really get a read on Ken and then it all clicked …. His big heart, his wonderful sly smile, and his charm really came through. He was so funny and just when you thought he wasn’t paying attention or interested in the conversation he’d show how connected he really was to all of it. I haven’t known a lot of really good men. Ken was definitely one of the men I used as a model of what to look for in a good man. He was solid. He was special. He was loved. He drove the boat. He was welcoming and generous. He was an incredible chef. And, he was NOT happy when UofM lost to MSU!! But thats a story for another time …

Chrissy and kids - I love all of you so much. I’m here for you. Your strength and unity as a family is awe inspiring and is what is going to get you through this next part. I’m grateful to have known and been impacted by Ken. Thank you, Chrissy, for sharing him with us
June 23, 2022
This loss really hurts. Our deepest sympathies to Chris, Josie, Parker and Grayson. We will remember Ken for his great sense of humour. He was quiet until he said something hilarious. I can still picture his smile as kids and adults were awed by his water ski flying skills! Flips and all. 
His work as CFO and overcoming financial challenges of a new company was invaluable. His reliable analytic skills enabled the company to grow and succeed. Thank you Ken. Scott's brother Matt admired and really enjoyed working alongside Ken. 
He will always be remembered as a dedicated and fun Dad who made zip lines in the yard and grilled a great meal for a bunch of us. He will be missed most by Chris and the multitude of friends and family who shared in the fun of the Friedli home. You will be missed dearly Ken. 
Thank you for making an impact with the years you had. You were taken too soon. 
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
How fortunate we all are to have had the opportunity to be on this earth at the same time as Ken. He was truly a genuine, kind, loving person, and he brought so much joy and positivity to all of those who had the honor of meeting and knowing him. Ken was a soft spoken guy, but he had the most wonderful wit- so funny and sharp! He was also so generous and thoughtful with his time, always engaging in neighborhood events, coaching kids sports teams, and doing so many fabulous things for Chris and the kids. I remember how he spent countless hours developing the most incredible scavenger hunt throughout all of Arlington County so that his friends could have an awesome experience participating in this event. It must have taken weeks to get it all put together, and it was magnificent! Ken did this so that his friends would have a memorable and fun experience, and in the end, he stayed behind at home base "headquarters" to make sure that it all went smoothly.  So selfless of him. Such a wonderful man. Ken, I am honored to have been able to spend time with you, learn from you and enjoy your wonderful friendship. You will not be forgotten and will forever live in the hearts and memories of all of us. Peace my brother.
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
Chris, Josie, Parker, and Grayson,

My heart goes out to all of you for your great loss. Ken will always be with you and in everyone's hearts. He will be smiling down loving you all from afar. He may not be with you in-person, but his spirit always will be! May your memories of him bring you peace, love, & comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! ❤

God bless,
Karen
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
Chris, Josie, Parker, Grayson,

Though no one can really heal what you guys are going through, I hope some of the stories you hear and think back to will bring you peace in the years to come. Ken was always so proud of you guys. 

So many great memories about Ken, hanging out with him at parties; guys “book club” nights, neighborhood gatherings and at each other’s houses.

It brings a smile to my face thinking how Ken would reference movie lines during conversations and he would smile even if no one else got the context. Quick-witted, he always made those lines perfectly appropriate to the situation or conversation. Of course, whoever else got the context would crack up laughing. I would want Ken to know and of course Chris to know that they can both be proud of the foundation they set for their kids, family and friendships.

You will be missed, my friend; but I hope you are exploring in your new place.
Chip
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
Of course there are no words that can adequately express our deepest sympathies for the loss of this wonderful friend, father, and husband, and to share the loving support we are sending to you: Chris, Josie, Parker and Grayson.
You are truly all in our prayers.
We’re also sad that we cannot be there in person to lend support at this time.
Susan, Claire, Alex and I will continue to connect with your tremendous circle of love and support and look forward to being with you in person when the time is right for you.
Till then—sending you our love, thoughts and prayers.
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
Dear Chris, Josie, Parker and Grayson,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ken was such a wonderful man. I loved his sense of humor, his intellect, his generosity and his friendship. I have so many fond memories of our times together - from him holding (baby) Grayson shooting the marshmallow gun at the Blizzard party, to me telling him (incorrectly - which we learned after the fact) that I would be able to drive the speed boat for him to ski. He was devoted to his family and always prioritized you guys in every way. I loved the bunk house that he built at the lake house, and the bobsledding course that he made so the kids could all slide down the large snow hill.  Ken was always such a joy to be around.  I wish I could take away some of your pain. Please know that Ken will be missed tremendously.
June 23, 2022
June 23, 2022
I wish I could take the weight off of the heavy hearts in the Friedli household. Ken's sense of humor, wicked skills on the tennis court, love of his family, and care for those who had fewer opportunities than he make me forever grateful to have known him. My heart goes out to you, Chris, Josie, Parker, and Grayson.

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Recent Tributes
July 3, 2022
July 3, 2022
“Good morning, Mr. Friedll”…I said every weekday morning for so many years! He seemed grumpy, but I knew otherwise. Ken was a mush. He loved his family more than words can express. I loved working for this incredible man; I hope he knew. His smile will light my heart forever. ❣️
June 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
We are all incredibly saddened by this news. Ken was our CFO at AnLar and OtisEd and helped guide all of us with his patented calm but witty demeanor. Ken's experience and financial understanding dwarfed all of our knowledge, yet he was always a teacher/mentor, never impatient with our different ways of trying to approach our finances. And even more, Ken tried to understand our way of doing things and help us, even despite all his years of experience and "truths" he brought from the finance world. He made the effort to try to get us. He was truly unique in the skills and ways he navigated his work.

Ken also went along with our company's many quirky attempts at humor. When we initially started working together, I told him we have an informal work environment so do NOT wear a suit. Even though he came from a world where suits were the norm, he showed up with a small kid's clip-on tie, clipped to his t-shirt, reminding us that we can take him out of corporate America, but we can't take the corporate American out of him. :) And, the following week, in true Ken style, he quietly mailed me a similar kid's clip-on tie. He also went along with our many pranks, as a co-conspirator or the prank recipient. Our favorite: one time when he came to the office, we ordered lunch for all of us from Chipotle. He was particular about what he ordered, so we ordered his exact meal, but when it arrived, someone switched it out with a "salad" of black olives and sprouts, apparently some of his most despised foods. It took him 2 seconds to realize it, but the look on his face initially was priceless.

This is the type of relationship he had with all of us, a part-time client of his for a few years. I can not imagine the impact he had on the rest of the world with folks over the years. Ken, you will be truly missed by all of us at AnLar and OtisEd. We are all feeling a deep loss from this news, and we find it difficult to even write this note to you and your family.

And to Ken's family, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your husband/dad was such a gift to all of us. Thank you for sharing his time and expertise with all of us. We all hope that, gradually, the seeming void he's left, will fill more and more with a feeling of his warmth, humor, and love.
June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022
Ken was my “wing man” in mostly our single days in DC. We hung out a couple times a week, either on a weekend camping trip to Skyline Drive, minor league ball game, day trip to the eastern shore, Dewey/Rehoboth, hiking up Old Rag, or sitting at a pub in Old Towne Alexandria checking out the Johnny Artis Band, or just a folk singer which was probably his favorite. Ken could sit at a campfire and recite with much embellishment famous poems and stories by heart. We took the same route to work up the GW Parkway and would pass each other fighting the traffic. And yes, we took line dancing lessons together at a sleepy country western bar at the top of King Street, as an extra edge in our hope to find the perfect girl. Then Ken met Chrissy and his love of life grew and a more calm Ken perhaps, although he was always pretty calm. I moved south to Charleston and we each grew into another stage of our young lives. Ken was a friend, a constant soundboard for younger life, and at the same time a wise, old soul with a calm voice in practicality and advice. Corny as it may sound, but very true, although I could not attend his memorial service, as I was driving during the service, and the song Spirit in the Sky came on the radio and I knew he was there. Although the world will be a less special place without Ken I know he left an impact of himself on all us a thousand-fold. RIP Ken.
His Life
July 25, 2022
Kenneth John Friedli, husband, father, son, brother, uncle, colleague, neighbor, and – universally to all – friend, passed away in Easton, Maryland, on June 19, 2022.  His passing leaves an unfillable hole in the lives of all who had the good fortune to know him. He was 53.

Ken was the beloved husband of Christina (Garrett) Friedli and the loving father to Josephine August, Parker Sage, and Grayson Alexander Friedli. The Friedli family moved from Arlington, Virginia, to Easton, Maryland, over three years ago to be closer with his children who attended boarding school nearby.

Ken was born to Frederick and Patricia Friedli on December 26, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Michigan with his parents and younger brother, Kevin, developing a love for sports, Michigan football, and cold and warm weather outdoor activities alike. He was a smart, strategic and funny child, qualities that would define him not only in his ability to apply these skills to calculating the optimal leg swing and force in kickball games as a child, but throughout his life.

Ken’s father passed away when Ken was 10 years old. This fact forever changed Ken’s life in every fashion, from where he attended school, to how he raised his children and his love for a gin martini straight up. Ken took his father’s death very hard and stepped in to help his mother and brother as he believed his father would have many times over his life. 

Ken attended boarding school at the St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, hundreds of miles from home. He took this opportunity, made life-long friends, and sharpened his intellectual wit. He went on to study at the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in Actuarial Mathematics and History. Ken met the love of his life, Chris, at the George Washington University where they were both pursuing MBAs.

Ken enjoyed experiencing life and sharing the lessons he learned and skills he developed. In fact, there’s a good chance that if you knew Ken, you likely learned how to waterski and/or wakeboard from him. “Captain Ken” was one of those rare teachers who could get you out of bed and onto a boat at 7:30 on a Saturday morning to take full advantage of the calm waters. “Coach Ken” inspired his players, coaching his kids’ soccer and basketball teams, and was also willing to educate the refs when needed. 

It’s impossible to capture all of the cherished memories and favorite stories that make up Ken’s life.  He planned amazing road rallies. He cooked a mean steak with a side of homemade pasta. He enjoyed music and played a bit of guitar. He cried watching romantic movies. He was a fierce but humble competitor who was not often defeated – be it at sport, cards or even Wii Olympics – and would bring the same smart, strategic and witty qualities to any challenge that he had brought so many years ago to kickball. He would break into the theme song from the movie “Frozen” at inappropriate times, belting out “Let it go…” to the embarrassment and entertainment of his family. And he was the best-looking bald guy we knew. If you don’t believe the last one, it's only because you missed the opportunity for him to tell you so.

Ken focused his life on being the best dad he could be for his children, never feeling satiated by the amount of time he had with them. Ken and Chris together provided immense support and love to their children, encouraging them to pursue new challenges and explore the world around them. The impact of this support and love is seen in each of their children’s adventurous, compassionate and creative spirits. His children are his greatest and proudest legacy.

Ken had a rich history in business planning and financial activities. He began his career at Mitre and Time Life. In 2017, he started his own business, establishing Sage Business Group Limited (drawing on Parker’s middle name). Ken brought his reliable analytic skills, his inherent curiosity, and his passion to make a positive impact to his clients, including serving as CFO of TimberHP by GO Lab, a new company working to combat climate change with novel insulating technology, as well as CFO of Giant Oak, a company formed to leverage big data to combat criminal activities. Ken also served on the Board of Directors for the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Christina, and children Josie, Parker and Grayson; his brother Kevin and sister-in-law Amy and their daughter Olivia and son Kammer (along with Kammer’s partner Cassie and their kids Kelbie and Dax); and his mother Patricia Friedli Grams (married to the late Charles Grams). Through his mother’s marriage to Charles, Ken gained bonus sisters Kelly Grams (niece Katie) and Shannon Grams (nephew Jason) as well as a bonus brother in Shaun Grams (wife Jackie and niece Pieper).

Ken will always be remembered as a dedicated and fun Dad who made zip lines in the yard, built flying brooms and hosted great get-togethers with friends. He will be missed most by Chris, Josie, Parker and Grayson, as well as the multitude of friends and family who shared in the fun of the Friedli home. Our hearts are truly broken.

Donations can be made to honor Ken to the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation or the St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware.
Recent stories
June 23, 2022
I met Ken for the first time during my visit back day at St. Andrews. Josie was my buddy for the day so I'd been in classes with her all day and went to the soccer game that afternoon with my mom to see her and the team, which is where we met Ken as he sat and watched Josie and the team play. He told us about how he had been a student at St Andrews and that Josie was his oldest that he was so excited to have finally be a student there. It was evident that he was so so proud of her! The family ties within St Andrews that he explained and how much the place and community meant to him pushed me to pick St Andrews and I’m so grateful for that.

Michigan Basketball Game

June 23, 2022
I think it was your birthday 2019 and I was over at your house (the one before where you are at now). March Madness was going on and Michigan was playing that night. (I think they were playing Texas). We were sitting outside watching the game and it was very tense since your dad is a Michigan fan and Ruth was determined to see Michigan lose so UVA would have a better chance of winning the tournament. It was so funny to see your dad and Ruth interact and the way they would both defend their team made the game much more interesting. It was a super close game and I remember it being up in the air down to the last seconds. Michigan did lose and Ruth celebrated. It was a super fun/relaxing night and I always see pictures from it in my snapchat memories and thinkhow much I liked that day. I remember the game clearly because your dad was explaining to me the different reasons for free throws. I had no idea why they happened prior. After that I could finally understand what was going on during the free throws at the St. Andrews games. I am forever grateful he explained the rules to me and that I no longer have to embarrass myself at a game by asking.  

From the new homeowners in Maywood

June 23, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear this. We bought our house here in Maywood from Ken and Chris in 2018, and while I only met them a few times, they were so very kind and gracious to us. I remember that they invited us over after we bought the place to measure for our new furniture and served us lemonade and pastries bright and early after they had clearly been up all night for a tween boy sleepover with Grayson. And a year after we moved in, Ken randomly found some couch cushions and a wire rack for the microwave that he had accidentally packed in their boxes (we bought their couch from them) and brought them back to us just to be nice (we wouldn't have known we were missing the decorative pillows or the extra rack!). I already admired his attention to detail on this gorgeous house and all the little thoughtful touches that he and Chris included when they remodeled it. I know it's easier and cheaper to do things one way, but from what I can tell, he had a wonderful eye for the small details and lovingly kept many of the historical touches (sourcing old doors and doorknobs that fit the period of the house, re-using the original wood from the attic in the basement) in this old house which I will now appreciate even more.
I will be keeping his family in my prayers. I'm also sending your family big hugs as I know you are missing your dear friend. 
My love, 
Breen 

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