Kenneth (Ken) L. TeBrink

Kenneth (Ken) L. TeBrink, grandfather, father, husband, brother, son, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 19, 2022. Ken was born on November 5, 1956, in Denver, CO to Alfred and Jean TeBrink.
Ken always looked to the sky and attended the Air Force Academy with a dream of flying airplanes. He graduated and honorably served with the United States Air Force from 1979-1996, retiring as a Major. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna, on June 2, 1979. Together, they welcomed Kristen, Andrew, and Kate into their family. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ken continued his passion for flying with Southwest Airlines until he celebrated his retirement on November 1, 2021, after 38 years in the skies. Ken loved the Colorado mountains and enjoyed hunting and fishing. The Mars Farm was a special place where he loved walking pigs, driving tractors, and spending time with Lyle and family. Ken loved tinkering and fixing things, listening to rock and roll, and drinking coffee while watching the sunrise. Ken was a gentle giant, always lending a hand to someone in need, and putting his family and friends above himself. Ken loved his family well and is deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Donna TeBrink; daughter, Kristen Yates, and her husband Brian; their children, Parker, and Charlotte; son, Andrew and his wife Katie, their daughter Ellie Ann; and daughter Kate; father, Alfred TeBrink; mother, Jean TeBrink; brother, Alan TeBrink; and sister, Kathy Spykstra.

Dad's last landing as a Southwest pilot was a zinger. He recently reminded us that, "If you can walk away from a landing, It's a good landing. If you can use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing." Chuck Yeager

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd, NW Albuquerque, NM 87114.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share a cup of coffee with someone you love and donate to the charity of your choice.