Kenneth Gene Moore of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021, at the age of 86. After several years of declining health, our loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died peacefully at home with his family close by.
Ken was born in Worland, WY, on May 10, 1935, to Jesse and Genevieve (Schneider) Moore. A former Cody High School Bronc (Class of ’53) and University of Wyoming Cowboy, Ken was an accomplished scholar athlete in three sports – football, basketball, and track & field. He graduated from UW in 1957 with a degree in Civil Engineering (Architectural Option).
Ken met the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Travis, during his senior year at UW, and the two were married in June 1957. Four children and a lifetime of school projects, sporting events, dance recitals, outdoor activities, and rafting adventures (and misadventures) followed shortly thereafter.
When his kids took up competitive swimming, Ken (and Dorothy) jumped in with both feet, becoming ardent supporters of the Laramie Swim Club. Nearly every weekend for 20 years, Ken would gas up the family station wagon and drive a carload of swimmers to an AAU swim meet. He would then spend the entire weekend either officiating the meet or cheering from the stands. Over the years, hundreds of swimmers across the State got to know “Mr. Moore,” and he considered each one of them “his kids.”
In later life, Ken took to the sidelines of baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields; cross-country tracks; volleyball and tennis courts; swimming pools; and gamelan and music concert halls to cheer his grandchildren on in their athletic and music endeavors.
In even later life, “Papa Moore” dressed up and played Santa Claus, bringing laughter, hope, and joy to generations of children in Laramie.
On top of a full family life, Ken managed a very successful career as a structural engineer for Banner Associates, working on a number of high-profile construction projects around Wyoming and the Western U.S. If you’ve ever driven across a bridge or stopped at a rest stop in Wyoming, chances are it was one of Ken’s designs. His favorite projects over the years included the I-80 tunnels near Green River, WY; a seven-bridge interchange in Spearfish, SD; the Grayrocks Dam near Wheatland, WY; and the Wyoming Infrared Observatory, located on the summit of Jelm Mountain.
To say he led a full life would be an understatement. It’s easier to say he led two complete lives.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, and his sisters Karen and Barbara. He is survived by his sister Kay (Greg).
He is further survived by his wife Dorothy, children Carrie, Kyle, Carol, and Karl; daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Kris; grandchildren Jared (Amanda), Josh (Marie), John (Allison), Jenna (Ryan), Alex, Rachael, Ben, and Aubree; and great-grandchildren Cooper, Charleigh, and Reece.
“Uncle Kenny” is also survived by countless nephews and nieces, and great-nephews and -nieces, all of whom he dearly loved.
Ken leaves behind a robust legacy of honesty, integrity, perseverance, and helping others. He also leaves behind:
- Lasting memories of his warmth, smile, and great sense of humor;
- Unforgettable stories of his youth, from living in Yellowstone to working for a circus;
- A passion for Astronomy, fishing, and Rocky Mountain Oysters;
- Thousands of science fiction and National Geographic magazines;
- A ton of engineering books, tools, and drafting instruments;
- Some over-the-top fourth grade “Wyoming History” dioramas he helped his kids and grandkids with; and
- A handful of engineering-related phrases that will haunt contractors and family members alike forever, including. “Measure twice; cut once;” “If you can’t find time to do something right the first time, how are you ever going to find time to fix it?” and our favorite, “You’ve got more excuses than Carters’ got pills.”
His heartbroken family is going to miss Ken for the rest of our lives, but all of us are extremely grateful we had him for as long as we did.
No public service is planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Laramie Swim Club Scholarship Program (c/o Laramie Swim Club, PO Box 949, Laramie, WY 82073) or Toys for Tots (www.toysfortots.org).
My parents, John and Gladys Maurer, were so saddened that their wonderful neighbor and friend had died. They send the most sincerest sympathies to all of you. Mardell Aragon
Dear Dorothy and Family, My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. You truly had a wonderful life partner. The world has been a better place because Ken has been here with us and contributing in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with him. May he rest in peace. Mary Jo and Keith Downey
Dear Moore Family We knew Ken from many years of swim meets. Our daughter Melinda was on the LHS team with Carol. You were all a very big part of the Laramie Swim Club. You have our deepest condolences. What a marvelous obituary. We learned much more about a great guy.
To Dorothy, Carrie, Kyle, Carol, and Karl. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. I was so saddened to hear of Ken's passing, what a light he was. Many wonderful memories of a great and kind man, kids across this state enjoyed seeing his smiling face at swim meets. Some day, I promise, you will smile more than you cry. With deepest sympathy, Trudy Moe
Carol, we are so saddened to hear of the loss of your father, please know you and your family are in our prayers.
Mr. Moore was always the most kind, affable, and sincere presence. My very best to the Moore family. You are all in my thoughts.
Dorothy and Family, Zane and I are so sorry to hear about Ken's passing . Sending prayers and thoughts. Zane and Gladys Geis
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken was a very nice man and will be missed by many. Donna Thompson
I was one of the hundreds of kids who got to know Mr. Moore through out AAU swimming. He was always very kind and supportive no matter where you were from. Peace be with Mr. Moore and God Bless his family.
I was sorry to learn of Ken's passing. I have many great memories of working with him at Banner Associates in the early '60s. I admired him not only as a fine engineer but for his great character and integrity. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathies from the Maurers. Our hearts go out to the Moore family.
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I am truly sorry for your loss. Kelly Robertson
What a special tribute for a very special man. May these many memories warm your hearts at this time.
Sending condolences for your loss. So many of my growing up years in the pool and out include memories of. Mr. Moore and his family. So many warm memories! Ken will be missed, yet he leaves a lasting legacy in his family and all the lives he touched along the way.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Carter family want to extend our deepest condolences. Blessings to you and yours.
Dear Moore Family, What a wonderful obituary for a special man! It's impossible to put a lifetime into a few paragraphs but you've done a fine job of presenting Mr. Moore from many angles. I'm sure you know that he meant a great deal to so many people in every aspect of his life and that we all share in your grief. Cherish your stories of these shared times as you work toward that time when the pain of the loss is dulled by the laughter, tears and warm memories they bring about. I'll be thinking of all of you during this hard time. Your friend, Rob Bress
Bob and I are so very sorry to read this. We have enjoyed our visits, even though far between. Our thought. hugs, prayers are with all of his family.