The staff and board of Orca Network are deeply saddened by the passing of our brother,
dear friend, and esteemed colleague, Ken Balcomb, on December 15, 2022.

Ken was one of a kind. He knew what he wanted to do, and did it, in his unique way. He spent the majority of his life getting to know and understand the Southern Resident orcas and fighting passionately on their behalf. He knew the Southern Residents like no other, living beside them and following their movements, births, deaths, and the decline in population leading to their endangered status.

Ken was willing to do or say the unpopular thing for the good of the Southern Residents. He was a Navy man who was willing to speak out against the whale-killing sonar, and a researcher brave enough to speak out against the captivity industry, at a time most others wouldn't. When most deemed it too politically unpopular, he was a tireless advocate for bringing down the four Lower Snake River dams. Ken did this 24/7, to his dying day, working for the orcas, the salmon, and the habitat they need.

Ken's interest in and love of animals and whales has resulted in countless thousands of fans who are advocates for the fragile populations of salmon and orcas, largely due to Ken's knowledge and work, his passion, and his commitment. Thousands of volunteers, students, interns, and visiting scientists have cherished memories of working alongside Ken during annual photo surveys of the Southern Residents.

It was Ken who introduced his brother, Howard Garrett, to the whales, and later Ken and Howard introduced Susan Berta to the Southern Residents.

 Ken leaves behind a legacy we are obligated to follow, continuing in his footsteps, standing up for the whales, the salmon, and their habitats, for many more generations to come. 

Ken’s family has requested privacy during this time.