- Date Of Birth: February 15, 1946
- Date Of Death: October 4, 2021
- State: Florida
On February 15, just one day after Valentine’s Day, Conrad and Florence Ramsey, of Barataria, Trinidad, were presented with a very beautiful love gift. They named him Kynaston Mc Donald Ramsey. The name Kynaston, is derived from English, and it means “royal peace settlement.” True to his name, Kynaston bore himself royally, for he knew he was a child of the King as his baptism testified.
Ken, as he was lovingly called, was the only one of the Ramsey siblings to fully embrace a Christian education. After attending Sangre Grande Elementary SDA School, in Trinidad, he advanced and successfully completed his high school studies at Bates Memorial High School. His educational odyssey next ushered him into the illustrious halls of Caribbean Union College (CUC) nestled in Maracas Valley where he graduated with an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1968. He worked at the college in the business office until he felt the urge to continue his studies abroad.
It was at AUC that he met the love of his life, a very beautiful young lady with the cutest smile and most beautiful brown eyes. He was truly smitten, and on August 6, 1972, Carolyn Pace of Niagara Falls, New York was united in holy matrimony to Kynaston McDonald Ramsey, and moved to East Orange, New Jersey. They were two in one, and after 49 years of marriage, death would be the only thing strong enough to temporarily separate them. To their union, two lovely children were born: Kyria, named from the refrain of the organ piece, “In a Monastery Garden”, one of Ken’s favorite organ pieces, and Karlyn, a combination of Ken and Carolyn.
In 1978, Ken decided he wanted to pursue graduate studies, and therefore, they made a move to attend Andrews University in Michigan as the next educational challenge.
Ken was a true soldier of the cross of Christ Jesus. He really loved, and gave his all completely to, God. So, whether it was as treasurer at Patmos Chapel or Mt. Dora, or as an ordained elder, Sabbath school teacher, pianist or organist, he did all to the glory of God. He was a spiritual leader and advisor to many. Numerous people sought his spiritual advice, and listened attentively to his words of wisdom and the meaning of numbers. Who could ever forget his spirited, impressive, “Call to worship “ on Sabbath mornings; he was so filled with God’s Spirit that the congregation in turn, felt God’s Spirit as he called them to worship!! Ken never hesitated when asked to preach on a Wednesday night or Sabbath morning. His life was fully intertwined with God, Who was his Branch.
He worked as a financial analyst from 1973-1978, at The World Trade Center, but gave it up to go to graduate school, and later worked for the Lord at the Adventist Health System/Sunbelt, now re-named, AdventHealth. There he worked for 25 years until his health declined and he reluctantly retired.
Besides preaching, teaching, encouraging, and helping others, Ken was well rounded. He enjoyed exercising, and he took long walks when he was able.. He enjoyed eating delicious vegetarian food and cakes from his wife, and the coconut sweetbread his daughter and sisters made. His brother, Conrad Jr. reflected on his skill in Cricket. He reminisced how Ken could catch a fast ball with an ungloved hand. Ken was also a good batsman and soccer player, and was a ping pong player that his sister could never beat! But he and Conrad Jr. matched each other.
His siblings remember climbing the highest mountain peak in Trinidad, El Cerro del Arripo, and also the fun they had as they hiked trails to river bathe. They fully recall the thrill of hiking the Maracas hills with Ken, scooping up the cold spring water to quench their thirst as they trekked over to Maracas Bay. They certainly had fun with their big brother.
Ken enjoyed listening to and playing the organ. His brother, Conrad Jr. remembers him playing the Wurlitzer, Hammond and pipe organs. His favorite organ pieces were, “ In A Monastery Garden” by Albert Ketbey and “Toccata Fugue in D minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Ken leaves to celebrate his life and legacy, his faithful wife of 49 years, Dr. Carolyn Pace Ramsey; his devoted daughter, Kyria Ramsey-Dukes (Crandall); his handsome son, Karlyn Ramsey (Dr. Kate); his loving sister, Dr. Carol Ramsey (Aubrey); his thoughtful, generous brother, Conrad Ramsey, Jr.; his brother-in-law, Dr George King; his nephews: Ernest Wells, Jr.; Dr. Kurt King (Dr. Andrea); Kevin King; five grandchildren: Carissa and Karine Dukes; Carter Ramsey-Haynes, Cadence and Callie Ramsey; grandniece, Lauryn King, grandnephew, Jonathan King and numerous cousins, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Conrad and Florence Ramsey; his younger sister, Germyn King; his younger brother, Vaughn Ramsey; his sister-in-law, Anita Owens Ramsey; and his nephew, Ronald Wells, and numerous other relatives.
This valiant soldier of Christ, a hero in Israel is now at rest. He has fought a good fight. He has finished the faith. Therefore, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge will give him when He comes to gather His loved ones home. Heaven at last! Heaven, at last!!! Even so, come Lord Jesus.
