Kenneth Kirk 'Ken' Freeman, 72

Kenneth Kirk "Ken" Freeman, 72, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Ken was born on Aug. 2, 1932, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Tevis and Alleen Kirk Freeman.

Ken served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Ken started working in the mines in Butte, and pursued a career as both a miner and an explosives expert throughout the Northwest. He was proud to say that after a long career, he still had all 10 of his fingers.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine, of Kalispell; one local daughter Reia Winn of Kalispell; four daughters and their families, living in Idaho; four stepchildren, Judee and Hall Channell of Sonora, Calif., Rance and Peggy Fish, and family, of Columbia Falls; Eddy Fish and Colleen Jukich, and family, of Kalispell; Kenny and "Snooks" Fish, of Portland; a sister, Pat, and her husband, Ray, Higginbotham, of Shelton, Wash.; a very special family friend, Debra Raebel; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Private family services will be held later in the summer.

Memorials in Ken's name are requested to the donor's charity of choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.