Ken Rury

Volunteer, Photographer, and Social Media Manager in Poulsbo, Washington

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A Bob Mackie Mind in a Vanilla Body
On the surface, Ken Rury’s path looks traditional: growing up on Midwest farms, moving to Washington in 1980, teaching himself assembly language on an Apple II, and building a successful 30-year career as an enterprise network engineer with EDS/HP. He has called Poulsbo home since 1987.

But beneath that technical, factual exterior lies a vibrant, full-blown psychedelic light show of history, culture, and the human spirit.

Embracing the Un-Labeled Mind Ken is a man of fascinating contrasts. Navigating life with ADHD, dyslexia, aphantasia, and facial blindness, he has always resisted limiting labels. Instead, it wasn't until his 60s that he fully discovered the deeply imaginative, romantic, and spiritual soul residing within his highly analytical mind. He embraces his neurodivergence, recognizing that his internal monologue is a rich tapestry of voices and guardian spirits.

The Mission: Keeping Memories Alive Today, retired from IT and real estate, Ken dedicates his time to philanthropy, community building, and historical preservation. His work spans multiple disciplines:

Historical Preservation: An avid genealogist and AI-assisted photo restorer, Ken volunteers his skills with the Poulsbo Historical Society.

Cultural Respect: Deeply moved by cultures worldwide that face the sting of erasure, Ken is an active researcher of Salish history and the Lushootseed language. He considers himself a "Stranger walking respectfully on tribal paths," seeking to listen, learn, and protect the "shell-bright gleam" of tradition.

TheMemory-KeepersSeries: Ken channels his profound reflections on cultural preservation—as well as intimate, subconscious reflections on his daughter and his twin brother—into his writing. By decomposing his vivid inner world across dozens of characters in his books, he offers others a glimpse into a mind dedicated to ensuring the light of the past is never lost to the shadows.

Whether through a restored photograph, a woven poem, or a community Facebook group, Ken's ultimate goal remains the same: Let’s keep the memories alive.

Community & Charity Work

Ken believes that generosity is the foundation of a strong community. He actively promotes local charities and Kitsap communities.

Tribal Heritage Reclaiming (Non-profit being formed from proceeds of books)

ɬəʔibəš čəd ʔal ti dxʷləšucid ləɬsəlʔəli

Stranger walking respectfully on Lushootseed paths.

Ken combines his computer experience and hobbies to help others, including as a social media moderator and a volunteer for the Poulsbo Historical Society and Museums.

  • Work
    • Retired