Kenneth Ray Neslund, a man whose life was a vibrant tapestry of adventure, intellectual curiosity, and profound community engagement, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at his home in Hurley, New York, at the age of 78. Born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 16, 1947, Ken embodied a spirit of tireless exploration and an unwavering dedication to those around him, leaving an indelible mark on his diverse circles of friends and the wider community. His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his legacy of passion and generosity endures.
Ken’s deep connection to the outdoors was a defining characteristic of his life, fueling a lifelong pursuit of physical challenges and natural beauty. Whether he was navigating the waters through sailing, gracefully carving snow while skiing, or perfecting his swing on the golf course, he embraced every opportunity to connect with nature. His adventurous spirit led him to backcountry skiing in Colorado’s challenging terrains, alpine skiing in Salt Lake, and annual golfing escapades to the Outer Banks, showcasing his diverse interests and insatiable appetite for exploration.
Beyond the more conventional outdoor activities, Ken relished pushing his physical limits through endurance pursuits. He was a frequent participant in the challenging Bon Ton Roulet bicycle tours across New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, and notably, once completed an incredible coast-to-coast cycling journey along the Canadian border. Locally, he was often seen pedaling around the picturesque Ashokan Reservoir, a true Hudson Valley gem. His athletic endeavors extended to running several marathons, undertaking the strenuous Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike, and occasionally braving the rapids of white-water rafting, highlighting his exceptional stamina and adventurous heart.
In his later years, Ken’s fascination with fly fishing blossomed into a profound passion that took center stage. He honed his craft with dedication, patiently practicing in the pristine waters of the upper Esopus and the tranquil streams surrounding Salt Lake City. Demonstrating his generous spirit and commitment to giving back, Ken also dedicated his time to teaching the intricate art of fly-tying to Disabled Veterans, sharing his expertise and fostering a sense of camaraderie and purpose among them.
Beyond his athletic and outdoor pursuits, Ken was a deeply intellectual individual with an insatiable curiosity, reflected in his avid reading across both scientific and fictional genres. His commitment to community service was equally prominent; he served as a dedicated EMT for the Hurley Volunteer Fire Department, embodying a selfless readiness to assist friends, neighbors, and actively participate in various Town of Hurley events. He was a dependable presence, always willing to lend a helping hand.
Ken possessed an extraordinary knack for forging and nurturing friendships, a testament to his warm and unassuming nature. His expansive circle of friends spanned many years, encompassing his college fraternity brothers of Phi Eta Sigma, whose yearly reunions he diligently helped to organize. He also cherished the daily companionship and stimulating discussions with friends and acquaintances at Deising’s Bakery in Kingston, where his gentle presence and thoughtful insights will be profoundly missed by the “counter-culture” group he so enjoyed. His “families of friends” were geographically and experientially diverse.
Ken will be fondly remembered by his diverse “families of friends” across the country. His Hudson Valley family comprised lifelong companions bound by shared values, fun-loving spirits, and an unwavering willingness to support one another. His Golfing family included fellow vintage players who reveled in casual days on meticulously groomed courses in warmer climates. Meanwhile, his Rocky Mountain family consisted of adventurous souls from Boulder and Aspen, with whom he shared multi-day backcountry ski trips to the iconic 10th Mountain Huts, day hiking expeditions in the Rockies, and the occasional humorous loss of golf balls on mountainous courses. Ken was universally admired as an unassuming, gracious, and remarkably generous soul, adept at being fully present in every moment.
A humbly independent spirit who truly marched to the beat of his own drummer, Ken made himself fully present to experiencing the moment, from the delicate art of fly-tying to the subtle skill of fish whispering and engaging in extended conversations with friends. Academically, Ken was well-accomplished, holding a degree from SUNY at New Paltz and an MBA from Columbia University. He concluded a distinguished 34-year career with IBM in software quality and planning, an impressive IBM Legacy, before retiring in 2002. His gentle presence, quiet strength, and zest for life will be deeply missed by many. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Ken is survived by his late sister Betty Fischer’s daughters Melissa Joyce and her husband Patrick of Otego, NY, and Heidi Fischer-Gregory of Franklin, NY, and their children, Dylan and Derek Joyce, and Jacob and Abi Gregory. He is also survived by his brother Richard Neslund and his wife Carol of Boulder, Colorado, and their daughter Jennifer (Neslund) Bernhardt and her husband James of Falls Church, VA, and their son Derek Neslund and his wife Morgan of Fredrick, CO, and their children, Tyler and Dylan Bernhardt, and Barrett and Jackson Neslund, along with a host of other wonderful friends. Cremation arrangements were handled by the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at Hurley Reformed Church, 11 Main Street, Hurley, NY 12443, with a reception to follow.
