Kenneth Alan Haraga

Kenneth "Ken" Alan Haraga, 53, of Teachey, North Carolina, passed away on October 26, 2024.



He is survived by his wife, Tammy Haraga, and his cherished son, Dawson Haraga; his mother, Havon Kawucha, and her husband, Joseph Kawucha; his sisters, Kristina McLeod and her husband Matthew McLeod, and Katheryn Haraga; along with four nieces and one nephew who adored their Uncle Ken. He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Dennis Haraga, who passed away in 2023.



Ken was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. From the very beginning, he had a mind of his own, arriving almost a month late and doing things on his own schedule, something that remained true throughout his life. He was a beautiful baby with white-blonde hair, a big smile, dimples, and a small heart-shaped birthmark on his face.



As the only boy among three siblings, Ken was outnumbered but never overshadowed. He was the quiet protector of his sisters, keeping a watchful eye on them while still finding time to body-slam them on the backyard trampoline, a favorite pastime that probably saved the family a few emergency room visits. His love of wrestling began early, and many will remember his resemblance to Stone Cold Steve Austin, a likeness that once got him mistaken for the famous wrestler in a Walmart aisle, much to his amusement.



Ken spent the first part of his life working as a foreman in construction, where his natural craftsmanship shone through in every piece of wood he shaped. He had a gift for building things that were solid, steady, and made to last, much like the relationships he built with those he loved. Later, he found a new purpose in serving his community through the New Hanover County Sheriff's Correction Office. Over more than a decade, he worked his way up to the rank of sergeant, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues.



Though strong and steadfast, Ken was also deeply kind-hearted and imaginative. He had a love for the mystical and creative, especially Dungeons & Dragons, which he enjoyed playing both in his younger years and later with friends who shared his passion. His dragon tattoo reflected that same spirit of strength and wonder. He was also sweet with children and animals, especially cats, and even played Santa Claus one year for a children's event at Masonboro Baptist Church, a role that showed his softer, joyful side.



Ken's greatest love, though, was his family. He met Tammy in second grade and told his mother that he liked a girl in his class who had "really shiny hair." They became childhood sweethearts in sixth grade, and apart from a few years, they spent the rest of their lives together. Theirs was more than a marriage, it was a lifelong love story. When their son Dawson was born in 2000, Ken's world became complete. He was endlessly proud of Dawson, who shares his father's strength, creativity, and gentle heart.



Those who knew Ken will remember him as a man of quiet strength, loyalty, humor, and warmth. He might have looked intimidating, but anyone lucky enough to know him discovered the big-hearted man behind the tough exterior. He was the kind of person who would look out for you without fanfare, a quiet protector to the end.



Ken will be remembered for his strength, his kindness, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. His memory will live on in the laughter he inspired, the work he built with his hands, and the hearts he touched along the way.

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