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.