Late Ken Balsley Receives Spirit of Lacey Award

There is a reason Ken Balsley was known as “Mr. Lacey”  —   Ken was the biggest booster Lacey has ever known and may ever know. Each time Ken met a new person he offered a free, historical tour of Lacey and the surrounding area, culminating in a trip to the Lacey Museum and lunch “on him.” 

Ken spent more than 50 years championing and serving the City he loved. He served on numerous City Committees, including the Lacey Historical Commission and the Parks Board for 20 years combined. He founded the Lacey Civic Committee, which was instrumental in the development of Lacey Civic Plaza, the Lacey Museum, and Huntamer Park.  He was active in numerous community organizations, including the South Sound Chamber of Commerce, Lacey Rotary, and Lacey Historical Society.  But none of his lengthy list of accomplishments quite captures his love for the Lacey community and its people. 

During the May 4 City Council meeting, Ken Balsley’s widow, Jan Teague, received the Spirit of Lacey Award on Ken’s behalf. Watch the slide show below featuring several photos and a recording of You’re Never a Stranger in Lacey, written and performed by Ken.