Kenneth Carl Virak, 71, of Chesterfield, Va. passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019 with his family by his side. His death followed a brief battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) a rare neurological brain disorder.
Ken is survived by his wife, Katherine Milan Virak; son Daniel; daughter Elisabeth; sister Karlene Virak Bachelor (Bill) of Murietta, CA; brothers Gary Virak of Mesa, Arizona and David Virak of Tacoma, Washington; three sisters-in law; three brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was born October 29, 1947 in Spokane, WA, grew up in Southern California, and served in the Air Force from 1967 to 1971. He lived in Europe in the early 70s and especially loved Germany. Upon his return to the US, he and his brother, David, cycled cross country from California to DC in 1976. He became a respiratory therapist in 1978 and cared for many patients over his 41-year career. He moved to Virginia with his wife Katherine in 1993, where they reared two wonderful children. Ken had a warm and contagious smile and a witty sense of humor. He loved gardening, fitness and exercise, the 49ers and the Dodgers. Most of all, he loved his family and children. Ken had hoped to enjoy all these activities and the people he loved for many more years to come, and was still working full time when diagnosed with CJD. The family would like to thank Ken’s co-workers at Chippenham Hospital for their support and extend a special thank you to Hospice of Virginia for their compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019 at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held at The Riverside National Cemetery in California at a later date.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be sent in his honor to the CJD Foundation, 3610 W. Market Street, Suite 110 Akron, OH 44333 or online at www.cjdfoundation.org to further support research and raise awareness.
So very sorry for your loss
Ken was one of my Clinical Instructors; he was adjunct faculty J.Sargeant Reynolds in 2000. He was very professional but had a great sense of humor and we were able to learn a lot from him. We are all saddened by his sudden passing and he leaves a large space in the CJW family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
SO VERY SORRY for the loss of your husband, Katherine, and send my sincere condolences to you and your son and daughter, as well as extended family and friends. You all will be on my mind and in my heart as this most difficult period, now and ahead, unfolds over the course of time.
In Fondness and Deep Regard,
Chris Begin
Katherine ,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. I’m very sorry your children’s loss of a wonderful father. His picture shows a man that made the most adventure while he was here. A man with a face that had beaming light. I hope you carry him in your heart always.
God Speed in these hard days ahead of you.
Dana and George Hedges
Katherine,
My heart hurts for you so, for the loss of your husband. I pray God will be with you and your children at this time, and He can comfort you as He carries you through this sad time.
Carolyn Butler
Katherine:
I know a piece of your heart broke with Kenneth’s passing as well as piece of your children’s heart. The way your face lights up when you speak of your family speaks volumes as does your unwavering strength demonstrated in the way you interact with people despite having this weighing heavy on you.
I will continue lifting you and yours up in prayer during this time. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Tasha
Katherine,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I will be praying God’s comfort and peace will be guiding you and your family.
Katherine,
I am truly sadden to hear of your lose. You are such an amazing woman, it was noticed right away when we met as well, and truly dedicated to your family, and always spoke about them, with such admiration, and love. I truly understand what you are going through, and knowing that you have such amazing strength, within yourself that will help you through this time, and period.
Love always,
The Lemle’s