Kenneth Rex Aley, 61, of Yakima, Wash., passed away Thursday, March 26, 2009, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, after a year-long fight with cancer.

Ken was born in Kalispell on Oct. 7, 1947, the third child of Fred "Dode" and Ella Nichols Aley. He moved to Redondo Beach, Calif., with his parents when he was in the sixth grade. Ken graduated from Aviation High School in 1965, continuing his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from California State College at Long Beach with the accordion as his instrument. He followed his dream of playing in the Yale Accordion Symphony Orchestra, including a European tour. He then taught music for several years. Living in the Hollywood area, several of his students included children of movie and TV stars of the 1970s. He liked to entertain us with anecdotes of those times.

When his health forced him to retire in 1995, Ken moved to Yakima to live with his sister, Sandra. Ken's determination to beat the odds was evident in the many healthy years he lived with HIV/AIDS. This same determination stayed with him through his battle with cancer to the very end.

Ken loved his cats, "I Love Lucy," "The Price is Right," all of his electronic gadgets, and visiting with his family and friends. He was a kind, gentle man, it is our hope that his spirit and love of life will inspire others.

Ken is survived by his sister, Sandra Wall of Yakima, and her family, Jim Tate, Steven Zeski, Bob Tate, and Linda Darvell; and his brother and wife, Richard and Mary Aley of Whitefish, and their family, Debra Aley, Robinette Aley, Amanda Moore and Aaron Miller. Ken is also survived by many cousins and friends, including his special friend Sandi Ellis of Kapaa, Hawaii, and her family.

The family would like to thank the staff of New Hope Clinic, North Star Lodge and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital 2 East for their skills and compassion caring for Ken. Thank you Joyce for your special efforts making his recent trip to Hawaii possible. Ken was supported by many transfusions this past year, thanks to all who make the effort to donate blood.

Donations may be made in Ken's name to New Hope Clinic, North Star Lodge or to the charity of the donor's choice, in care of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902.

At Ken's wish, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Kalispell.