Kenneth F. Rice III
Family Tribute:Kenneth Rice III – June 5, 1967 to September 11, 2001 – 34 wonderful years
First born of four sons to Kenneth and Karen Rice, he brought joy and challenge to his four grandparents and two aunts and two uncles. Ken was active, inquisitive and talkative.
During the following years into high school, he enjoyed the pleasure of sports, the outdoors and intellectual challenge. At 12 years old he met his first computer. It was a love that lead him to Marsh’s technology department located in One World Trade Center, during the last 18 months of his life.
Ken showed interest in new and varied places during the family vacations in the Northeast. He was a planner and before graduating with honors from high school, decided that “business” was his future. He had the opportunity to visit Italy with a high school class and got bitten by the “International” bug.
During his time at Pace University, he became very active in Aeisec International Business Exchange. Meeting others from many countries stimulated that bug more and upon graduating with honors and a BBA in Business Administration, he found work in Germany and Switzerland for two years. His key to those jobs at 22 was computer/business orientation and he provided programs still in use by a German manufacturing company.
Returning to the USA and his family, he and Marsh & McLennan’s International department began contributing to one another for the benefit of both. Ken earned his Vice Presidency in that department. He then requested transfer into the developing Technology support area, where he hoped to use both his computer skills and customer knowledge honed in the earlier 8 years, to help Marsh, Inc.
His personal life continued to be varied from helping kids learn to read (a great pleasure of his), enjoying all the arts and music, kayaking, snow boarding, bowling and motorcycle riding. He only had his Harley Springer a year but, fortunately, Ken did have the opportunity to make the long cycle trip he’d dreamed of. Actually in the 34 years Ken had fulfilled the dream list his parents found after the attack, except for marriage. Life always has some challenges!
Ken’s grandparents and a favorite great aunt were waiting for him on September 11th. The rest of us, his family and friends keep him with a memory of the big smile and lots of words.
Add Your Tribute
Tributes
Still thinking of you young man.
Barry & Sally - ex Marsh UK
Barry Blakley, Colleague
Have not been back to the site for a number of years now but still think about you Ken, especially at this time of the year - it was great to know you as a colleague and a friend. Barry (Ex Marsh UK) & Sally
Barry Blakley, Friend
I didn't know Ken, but from the tributes left here, he was a great guy. I decided this year to try to research some of the people lost on 9/11, and Ken's name jumped out. I was amazed to find out that Ken lived in Hicksville NY, which is also my home town. Boy that really made the horrific 9/11 tragedy even more real. My family left Hicksville in 1965 (my dad Robert Braun worked for Grumman in Bethpage and my brother went to Hicksville high school). It's such a small world, really. I want to extend my most sincere condolences, even after all these years to Ken's entire family, friends, and collegues. I know he is greatly missed by you all, and I hope that you have all found peace and new joys in your life.
Leslie Honcharik, Friend
Still thinking of you buddy - cannot believe it’s 20 years since you left us. Barry (Ex Marsh UK)
Barry Blakley, Friend
I may not write every year and time may pass but I never forget you. You live on in my heart and my memory. Your ridiculous sense of humor, your genuine smile, and how much you hated car horns honking when we walked around the city. Twenty years is almost unfathomable. I still miss you.
Jennifer, Friend
Ken, you are forever young in my memories. May your family continue to find comfort in their love for you and how much you loved them,
Chui Yuen, Colleague
Use to him and his pup and his cigar in the evening and we casually said our hi’s and I would pet his St Bernard. Always a nice guy. Lived across the street from me in hicksville
Daniel Quirk, Friend
I miss ya Ken, we could have had a lot more fun but then it was cut short so sadly.
Shannon Bailey, Friend
M&M covered our company assets. Ken visited our facility in South Carolina several times. We had fun with our North/South cross cultural banter. The memories of friendship is life gift for me. R.I.P. my friend Ken Rice. Until we meet again.
Steve Eaddy , Colleague
I met Ken working at Marsh in the International Department where we became good friends and I eventually transferred to our Technology Group at the World Trade Center and Ken eventually did too. Ken .was a great colleague and friend and will always be missed. I've been to the 9/11 memorial a few times and each time never forget to stop at Ken's name at the memorial and have fond thoughts. We will never forget.
Isabella Stengele, Colleague
I visited June 5th this year which was his birthday as it had a white rose on his name. I will remember his name every anniversary of 9/11. R.I.P kenneth
Jamie Thomson, Family
I was at the towers 9 months before the attack for my anniversary. Today I returned for the first time since. I don't personally know anyone who died that day. But decided that I wanted to research one person. Kenneth's name stood out. Life isn't always fair...I will think about him when I momentarily let my own circumstances get the best of me...Godspeed....
Michael Spellman , Friend
I knew Ken in high school. Tragic day many will be missed.
Paul, Friend
I visited the memorial today and took a picture at random, when looking back through the photos I had taken, Kenneth's name was centre of photograph so I googled him out of interest. I now know who he was and will think of him every time I remember my visit
Phil Johnson ,
The evolution of grief. I told people funny stories about you today and showed them a picture of your name at the memorial site. Never forgotten.
Jennifer Olin, Friend
And another year passes…and you are still missed.
Jennifer Olin, Friend
I remember Kenny taking us skiing in high school and him getting us into trouble for not listening to his parents (party at the Rice house). Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
Ryan Edlind, Friend
Couldn't seem to get here yesterday but, I didn't forget. I never forget.
Jennifer Olin, Friend
Miss you Kenny....
Joe Griffard, Friend
We missed our trip to NY this year but were still thinking of you on 9/11 - my eldest son was there a few months ago and got me a photo of your name on the fountain walls. Barry Sally Ex Marsh UK
Barry Blakley, Friend
I referenced you in my blog. My careers have blended and come full circle. You would have laughed. I miss that.
Jennifer Olin, Friend
R.I.P. Thinking of you....
Joel Blitzer, Friend
I went to WTC and walked through the names on the fountain walls. Your name just stood out and it was just like we ware talking while we were working in Marsh. I always remember what you told me communication is better via conversations better than emails. Great advice! Appreciate it! Miss you and will always cherish your kindness... Leo
Leo D, Colleague
Ken was one of the bright spots in my sophomore year of HS. 'Lots of words' describes him to a tee...he always challenged my thinking, and good enough was never good enough. God bless, shine down, and I hope we meet in heaven one day...
Jeanne-Marie Sturz-Urban, Friend
Please amend recent addition to read 'We were at the site and the Avenue of Americas the other week - one day we will catch up with you again - you will certainly not be forgotten Ken' Barry Sally Ex Marsh UK
Barry Blakley, Friend
We were at the site Avenue Of The Americas the other week - one day we will catch up with you again - you will certainly not be forgotten Ken. Barry Sally Ex Marsh UK
Barry Blakley, Friend
Can't believe it's been 10 years. Still miss you.
Lydia, Friend
They just read your name aloud and I answered 'here in my heart.'
Jennifer Olin, Friend
Love you, think of you and will see you again in heaven.
Douglas Borstel, Family
Kenny thinking about you brother!
Joe Griffard, Friend
We have not forgotten you - sorry the message was a few days late this year. Barry & Sally Blakley 15.11.2010 Ex Marsh UK
Barry Blakley, Friend
Still missing you, my friend.
Jennifer, Friend
God Bless Ken...
Paul Jazwinski, Friend
Still thinking of you Ken - especiaaly today Barry & Sally Blakley
Barry Blakley, Friend
May He bless you Ken. You are not forgotten!
Joe Griffard, Friend
Still miss you Kenny. I thought of you tonight....
Joe Griffard, Friend
Hi Ken - we have just returned from New York and were very sorry to have missed you. You looked after us extremely well during our two visits to the US in the late nineties as well as during my business trip just before that.We were proud to see your name included on both the plaque and the very impressive presentation screen in the Memorial Centre but it would have been so much better to have caught up with you again.You were a great guy Ken. Barry & Sally Blakley
Barry Blakley, Colleague
Cant stop thinking of you, especialy today...
Joel, Friend
I woke up yesterday thinking of you, couldn't figure out why. Today it dawned on me...it was your birthday. You are missed but I am grateful for the laughs we shared.
Jennifer, Friend
I worked with and for Ken at Marsh. He was one of the coolest and best people to work with. I remember talking to him about his new Harley -boy did he love that Harley. His Harley and his girl. An anniversary doesn't pass that I don't think about him, his fun-loving nature and his humor -funny guy. You are missed Ken, very much.
Phill Roberts, Colleague
still miss you
Maggie, Friend
Still thinkin' of ya Kenny! Gone, but never forgotten. Joe
Joe Griffard, Friend
Kenny was a great guy! We will never forget him.
Joel Blitzer, Friend
For a time, a period of years, Kenny was my best friend. We even worked right near each other in the city for a couple years, as I was at the Pan Am building(now Met Life)and he was in the Marsh headquarters, and we would get together after work every week or so. Ken also was the one who first interested me in snowboarding, which has turned into a lifetime passion of mine thanks to him. As many others have expressed, Ken had his strong opinions and even his quirks, and could be a real pain in the you know what because of that. But, no more loyal friend did I ever have than he. He was the best man in my wedding, and took good care of me the whole weekend leading up to the wedding. Ironically, his planning for the bachelor party was just as meticuluous as some of his work colleagues have described him at the office. Even though it was a night of fun, everything had to be 'just so'. Sadly, over the last few years we grew apart, as I became busy with my own growing family. It seemed like our friendship couldn't adapt to my life as it changed. The phone calls and visits passed between us less and less, and I often thought I could have done a much better job of staying in touch. He always remembered my birthday-I was so impressed, because I managed to forget his year after year. Ironically, one of the last times I tried to reach out to him was on his last birthday(I was so proud of myself to finally remember!), yet we never caught up with each other. September 11 2001 was a horrible day....I saw it all out the window of my office building. I was safely ensconced out in the suburbs, but I didn't really feel too safe, nor did it make me feel much better. September 13 was my birthday. I should have known something wasn't right when Kenny didn't call. I just should have known, but I was in a fog. Then, the next day, Sept 14, at 11 am, Kenny's girlfriend called, because she was going through his book, and realized I'd not called. I will remember the sense of horror for the rest of my days. We'd drifted so far apart I never realized he'd been transferred downtown when he changed jobs. Never let your good friends go, dear readers....you ALWAYS have time for them...sadly this is what I have learned. It is now burned upon my soul. Kenny was stolen away from us prematurely by these evil men, and the world is a lesser place for his absence. But, in my memory and that of others, he lives still. jg
Joe Griffard, Friend
I met Ken when he first joined Marsh & McLennan, Inc. He brought a special professionalism, mixed with a bit of personal touch. He was demanding, i's were dotted and t's were crossed. He did not settle for less. although I was in the company eight years before he joined, it re-established my purpose in the company and I have carried that professionalism with me ever since. We would always keep in touch. Even when he transferred to the World Trade Center, he was only phone call away. He was like my angel. Always looking out for me and he still is.
Ken Rice, Friend
Ken was my first boss out of college in the International department of Marsh. He was a demanding boss with high expectations. Fortunately, he also had a good sense of humor, patience and the willingness to teach me the ropes at Marsh. I remember his fondness for classic cars and his love of skiing. Ken prepared me well for a career with Marsh and I will always be grateful for the way he took a personal interest in my professional development. God Bless. Jon Monks
Jon Monks, Colleague
Kenneth and I first met at the Professional Development Property Course on Long Island in August 1994. Our friendship immediately began. We would check in with each other periodically and provide each other with product knowledge and moral support. I will miss Kenneth's extremely opioninated view points and great sense of humor! Kenneth was extremely dedicated to Marsh as I am and we will miss his Professional contributions and personable nature! Kenneth, may God Bless you and hold you in his embrace and keep you throughout eternity. J. Michael Berryhill aka: Uncle Michael Marsh, Inc. Middle Market Division San Francisco
J Michael Berryhill, Colleague