Kenneth Allen Switzer

Kenneth Allen Switzer (Ken) was born July 26, 1943 at Fitzsimons hospital in Denver, Colorado to Jeanne and Raymond Switzer. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond and brother Richard. Ken was married 41 years to Charlotte Redden and was a devoted father to their daughter Suzanne Switzer. Growing up in south Denver, Ken attended Asbury Elementary School, Grant Junior High School, and South High School. Ken's senior year, his family moved to Germany, a move which proved instrumental in leading him into international affairs. He completed his undergraduate and Masters degrees in Social Science Education at the University of Northern Colorado. After two years in the Peace Corps in Bogota, Colombia, Ken returned to Colorado where he received his Doctorate degree in International Studies at the University of Denver. Ken was an avid educator, working with all ages of students as a teacher, instructional designer, trainer, and college faculty. He wrote numerous professional articles and authored the high school textbook American Government (McGraw-Hill, 3 editions) with his wife Charlotte Redden and colleague Mary Jane Turner. For fun, Ken loved to create puzzles for children's magazines. Either on business or family vacations, Ken traveled nationally and internationally, visiting all 50 states and 26 countries. He was a true outdoor enthusiast, loving the mountains for skiing and hiking, and the Caribbean for snorkeling and beach combing. Ken volunteered at Project Angel Heart, various political campaigns, and at church. Memorial Services, Sunday, October 13, 1 pm, at 6th Avenue United Church of Christ (UCC), 3250 E 6th Avenue, Denver. Memorial contributions suggested to the Nature Conservancy, 2424 Spruce St., Boulder, Co. 80302.