Kenneth Charles Gehle, 46, of Decatur, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family and friends, on January 18, 2010, after a bravely fought battle with a rare form of cancer. Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, on February 23, 1963, Ken spent his early years playing in the woods where the seeds for his love of the outdoors were firmly planted. At nine his family moved to Augusta, Georgia where he spent his formative years and ultimately earned an Eagle Scout Award. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He was married to Tamara Beachum Gehle on May 4, 1991, and together they had two children, Eilis Anne Gehle, 16, and Eric Duncan Gehle, 11. Ken began his advertising photography career in Atlanta by assisting established photographers and later became a studio manager. In 1992, he launched his own business concentrating primarily on his love for landscapes, environmental portraits and people. Ken's work was recognized by many photography organizations including ShowSouth’s Best of Show in 2006 and national gold and silver ADDY awards. Ken derived enormous satisfaction from mentoring others. He was dedicated to helping others by sharing his love of the craft of photography and his perspective on the business. When not renovating his Decatur home, Ken could often be seen walking around the city. He was a champion of pedestrian-friendly development and was also a youth baseball coach with the Decatur Recreation Department. In addition to his wife and two children, Ken is survived by his parents, Frederick and Jane Gehle, of Augusta, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rick and Sherri Gehle of Moultrie, GA, John Gehle and Sharon McClam of Augusta, GA, Keith and Kimberly Gehle of Suwanee, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna and Mike Hagan of Richmond Hill, GA, Susan and Harry Davis of Greenville, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Deacon’s Fund of Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur, GA, or to CaringBridge.org, a non-profit that supports communication during a serious health event. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, at Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur, GA, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. A. S. Turner & Sons
