Kenneth Michael Lomas

A Snapshot of Life:  Kenneth Michael Lomas

Ken saw his last sunrise on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 when his earthly burdens were washed away and his soul was blanketed in God’s peace.

Ken was born on October 9, 1962 to his parents Ruth Anne (Rudzinski) and Richard Lomas and raised on the northwest side of Grand Rapids.  His family’s Polish heritage has deep roots in the values of hard work and education.  Ken graduated from Union High School in the class of 1980 and continued his studies at GR Junior (Community) College.  He earned a Bachelor degree from Western Michigan University, a Master’s degree from Frostburg State University in Maryland, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2001 from Howard University in Washington, DC.  Ken thrived as an east coast transplant, working as a psychologist with Baltimore Public Schools and eventually opening a private practice in Washington, DC. 

Ken found true happiness in September 2012, when he met the love of his life, Angie Lee, owner of a diner just down the street from his office in DC.  It became his favorite mid-day destination; not only for the wonderful food but it allowed him to get to know the woman who captured his heart.  A trip to New York City and an elevator ride up to the lookout deck on the Empire State Building was the romantic backdrop for his proposal to Angie!  The couple was married on September 19, 2014 in historic Falls Church, Virginia, and Ken became the step-dad to Angie’s sons, Sean (now 19 years old) and Brandon (now 16 years old).  He was well-suited for this role, having friendly basketball and billiard games at home and proudly supporting his step-sons at school events which showcased their academic knowledge & athletic abilities.  As a couple, Ken and Angie enjoyed traveling; New Orleans was a favorite destination in July to celebrate her birthday.  They also liked watching movies, admired art, enjoyed the theatre, and Ken continued to feast on & brag about his wife’s fabulous cooking!  Both were naturals at swinging a golf club and they found solace in the tranquility of golfing together away from fast-paced city living.  Observers commented to Angie about the thoughtfulness of her fella carrying both golf bags while they walked the course.   

Ken’s intrigue with cars was sparked his senior year of high school by a blue Chevy Malibu; some days he drove it around town instead of going to class.  His mom responded by locking the car in a garage until he graduated…mission accomplished!  The accomplishment of his PhD was commemorated by Ken’s long-desired vehicle – a classic Corvette (1980) located by his mom in Spring Lake.  This vehicle has been cherished yet often despised as it gave Ken a real personal connection to the 1976 Johnny Cash tune “One Piece At A Time” due to never-ending repairs to keep his Vette running & road ready!  Later in his career, Ken treated himself to another high performance vehicle – a 2005 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Copperhead Edition.  

Ken’s appreciation for quality furniture was rooted in his grandfather’s employment as an upholsterer.  Grandpa Joe worked with leather to create exceptional tufted furniture sold through the Baker Furniture Company to affluent customers across the country.  Grandpa Joe also re-created a special drum top table as a courting gesture which captured the heart of his beloved wife of 51 years.  Ken’s grandmother and his mom, having lived through an era of bleak economic times, were inspired to appreciate fine things; their enjoyment of antiquing and collecting was also shared by Ken.  His favorite finds were eye-catching wooden Baker furniture pieces, Steuben glassware, and designer-labeled items for his lovely wife.

In June 2019, Angie stumbled upon a new listing for a beautiful home in Vienna, Virginia.  The appeal of this property and a hot market led to their purchasing the home they knew was “meant just for them” - after finding a small copper colored Matchbox car inside the fireplace!  Ken now had perfect places to display his collectables while his pride flourished after completing household projects.   

Ken was a man of great passion, generosity and he loved making up for lost time with family in Michigan; spending time with his two siblings Steve and Sue (Sheldon) Swanson and his amazing nieces Gwendolyn Noelle and Rosalyn Paige.  We enjoyed reconnecting with each other during outings to these local favorites:  Wolfgang’s in GR, Morning Star Cafe, Fricano’s, Old Boys’ Brewhouse, The Hearthstone Bistro, and The Lake House Waterfront Grille (employer of both nieces through high school & college).  Ken also shared his fun-filled spirit with us by holding “friendly” golf & tennis outings (competitions) complete with trophies for bragging rights!  He even challenged his nieces to see who could stay on the tube the longest while bouncing over waves behind our boat…Uncle Ken holds a 5 mile record!  Whether in Virginia or West Michigan, Ken was a loyal (and frustrated at times) warrior of Red Wings hockey and WMU Broncos and Detroit Lions football teams.  Loud exclamations and music during televised events made for multiple memories…especially on Thanksgiving Day! 

Not only was Ken free-spirited, he was generous beyond belief!  Although living out of state, Ken teamed up with his brother to restore our mother’s cherished painted lady to the beautiful prominence she knew it deserved!  One Christmas, he gave each niece an unwrapped box FULL of loose change he’d “collected throughout the year” – the girls never suspected Uncle Ken actually purchased hundreds of dollars in rolled coins at the bank & emptied them into these one-of-a kind gift boxes!  Another Christmas, Ken gave Angie a circular table top winter scene featuring a small electric train.  The gift was festive and made her smile and, after watching the train circle around several times, she noticed something in one of the train cars…his actual gift – a diamond tennis bracelet!  The educational milestone and celebration of his step-son’s high school graduation last spring was impeded by Covid restrictions.  Ken got inspired to affirm his pride in Sean’s stellar achievements and acceptance into Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA with a card and heartfelt gift; Sean counted ten $100 bills inside!  Lastly, Ken’s collection of vehicles led to a shortage of parking at his Virginia home so his prized classic Corvette stayed parked in Steve’s garage with a set of keys and a request to “take it out whenever you want!”        

Unwavering love and grace from Above paved the way for Ken to reunite with his mother, Ruth Anne (2021), father, Richard (1982), maternal grandparents, Joseph (2001) & Bernice (1988) Rudzinski, and favorite great aunt (NTN), Anne Buczynski (1997).  A private family service is planned with internment at Holy Cross cemetery in Walker near treasured extended family.

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