Danville's Blackhawk Founder Ken Behring Dead At 91

DANVILLE, CA — Former Seattle Seahawks owner Kenneth Behring, who is credited with developing Blackhawk Ranch and founding Danville's Blackhawk Museum and Blackhawk Country Club, has died at the age of 91. He passed away surrounded by family at his Blackhawk Country Club home June 25.

"We are saddened to announce the passing of Kenneth E. Behring on June 25th, 2019," the Blackhawk Museum confirmed.

“We are saddened by the loss of former Seahawks owner Ken Behring,” the Seahawks said in a statement released Friday. “We send our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Behring’s family and friends.”

Born June 13, 1928, Behring came to the Danville area in the early 1970s following a highly successful career in auto sales and lucrative real development ventures. According to the Blackhawk Museum, by 1972 Behring had established himself as the largest builder in Florida, and the 1oth largest builder in the United States.

Behring purchased the area east of Danville known as Blackhawk Ranch in 1975, and by 1978 Hidden Oaks—the first Blackhawk community—was developed. The communities of Oakridge, Saddleback, Silver Oak, Silver Maple, Tennis Club, and Country Club followed in Blackhawk. He also developed Canyon Lakes, in San Ramon, and helped build the Summerset communities in Brentwood and Rio Vista.

Following his passion for football from his youth, in 1988 Behring and a partner purchased the Seattle Seahawks football team in a reported $80-million "handshake" deal. He owned the franchise until 1997, when he sold the team for a reported $194 million to Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The sale came after Behring had threatened to move the ailing organization to Southern California.

Behring was considered a great philanthropist, throwing his financial support behind many national and international charities. In 2000, he founded the Wheelchair Foundation, which has provided over a 1 million wheelchairs to the disabled and less fortunate in 155 countries worldwide. He also established WaterLeaders to provide clean water in rural areas of the world and Operation Global Vision to perform cataract surgeries in Asia and Mexico. In 2010 he formed Behring Global Educational Foundation as an umbrella organization supporting his, and other, philanthropic projects.

His legacy is not without criticism, however. During his early days developing Blackhawk, the project was under intense scrutiny by environmentalists. He was also accused of sexual harassment, including a 1996 case that was settled out of court. His love of big game safari hunting was also highly criticized, including allegations that his deep pockets allowed him access to African wildlife areas where he made illegal kills.

Behring is survived by his wife, Pat, of over 69 years, and sons Tom, David, Jeff, and Scott. His oldest son, Michael, preceded him in death. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has asked that contributions be made to either Wheelchair Foundation or the Blackhawk Museum Education Transportation Fund.