Ken Nottingham

Ken (“Kenny”, “Kenner”) Nottingham, 51, of Bozeman passed away peacefully at home July 1, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 16, 1961 in Stuttgart, Germany to Charles and Maxine (Cosgriff) Nottingham but was a true Montana boy to the core. Ken received his early education in Great Falls and Billings and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1979. After high school Ken worked at Taco Johns where he made lifelong friends and generated countless funny stories. One of his fondest memories was when he worked on his Uncle Frank’s ranch in Big Timber during his teen years. He received an Architecture degree from Montana State University in 1988 and in 2008 a Masters Degree. He worked as an Architect for A&E and CTA in Billings, Locati Architects and CTA in Bozeman. Ken had many hobbies. Ken enjoyed playing co-ed volleyball and softball. He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed mountain biking and skiing. He was very proud of being a “Lone Peaker“. One of his greatest joys was traveling (“Roadtrip”!) the National parks and Europe. He was very in to music and art. He loved to attend downtown events like “Music on Main” and “Sweet Pea“, where he always tried to support local artists. He was also a huge MSU Bobcat fan, for better or for worse! Ken also loved to float the Madison River. He and his wife Sarah never missed an opportunity to get together with their many friends for drinks, good food, jokes and laughter. Ken was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at a very young age. Fortunately for all of us Ken successfully received a double lung transplant in Denver in 1999; his second chance at life. He lived and loved every moment. He will be remembered for his positive outlook on life and his ability to make anyone feel at ease. Everyone, including children, wanted to be in his company because of his great sense of humor, laughter and modesty. Ken deeply loved his wife, champion and soul mate, Sarah. They met for the first time in May 2007. Two years later, in May 2009, they again met and knew they were in love. Sarah went back to Germany, packed and shipped her things to Bozeman to move in with Ken in September 2009. On August 9, 2010, they were married. They spent as much time together as possible. Traveling and working around and in their house was one of their favorite things to do. He especially enjoyed the work she put into the yard, to make the house a home. He also got her hooked on golf. Ken was an amazing person with a wonderful soul. The world has lost a great man, great friend and mentor to many, and a bright light in this world. All who knew him will cherish the blessings of him in their lives, forever. Ken was preceded in death by: his mother Maxine Nottingham; brother Chuckie Nottingham Jr.; and beloved sisters Kimberley and Kristin Nottingham. He is survived by: his wife Sarah Nottingham; brother Clay Nottingham; sister Chelsea Nottingham; their mother Carly Brunk; nephews Roman and Tanner Strohmenger; aunts and uncles Frank and Judy Cosgriff, Barbara and Ralph Cosgriff; cousin Elvera, along with other family members in Big Timber; and aunt and uncle Trisha and Ray Waylett. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Big Timber with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations towards Ken’s medical expenses would be greatly appreciated.