“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. ❣️

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.