Kenneth Watson William Rath, age 81, passed away January 30, 2021, at Baltimore Washington Medical Center under the care of Hospice of the Chesapeake from complications of Alzheimer's, specifically a brain hemorrhage from a fall. His wife, daughters and several grandchildren were at his side.

Ken was born on August 20, 1939 and grew up in Drexel Hill, an Irish Catholic neighborhood outside of Philly that forged his strong personality. He was super smart and the first in his family to go to college. Ken was in the first high school graduating class from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1957.  He then received an undergraduate degree from Villanova University and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan and American University.  He served six months in the U.S. Marine Corps, until they discovered he "cheated" on the eye exam to be admitted!  After being honorably discharged, Ken got a government job in D.C., moved to Severna Park to raise his family and volunteer with the Jaycees. He worked 35 years, rose through the ranks and eventually earned the position as the highest ranking civilian in the Justice Department, last working under Janet Reno. He had an entrepreneur's big-idea-driven mind, building businesses that varied from quirky (animal coffin distribution) to practical (buying and selling cars from auctions) to passionate (wooden boat restoration).

And oh man, there were boats.

Ken motored boats, built boats, refurbished boats, and sat around with other salty old men who talked about boats. He was happiest and most relaxed cruising the Chesapeake Bay and Severn River near Annapolis with his wife and family members in Silver Lining, his much loved 42' Schucker trawler.

Ken drank cheap red wine and fine, single malt scotch from thick water glasses. He loved dinner debates and welcomed spirited challenges.

Ken is survived by his wife of 29 years Doreen "Dobie" (Michlin) Rath.  Dobie always referred to Ken lovingly as "My Guy," and the truth is that he was most people's "Guy." He was your guy with an opinion that never lacked perspective. Your guy who'd help you out of a bind without blame or judgment. Your guy with an unfailing loyalty so bone-deep that he always bet the Eagles, no matter their odds!

Ken is also survived by his sister Rita Wolfe and her family; his three loving daughters, Kathleen Rath, Jennifer Rath Newton and Bethany Riedel (Steve); three much-loved step children Jennifer Davick (Tanner Latham), David Davick (Natasha) and Rebecca Breault (Rob); nine grandchildren Makayla, Courtney, Tanner, Alek, Ryan, Erik, Logan, Felix and Sasha; and five great grandchildren.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held later this summer at the beach in his much loved community of Linstead on the Severn.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to remember Ken may donate to Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?