Kenneth Morton Bicknell, 90

Kenneth Morton Bicknell 'went home to his Lord and Saviour' on Sunday morning, Dec. 17, 2006. He will be greatly missed by his many family and friends.

He was born July 9, 1916, in Maybell, Colo., to his parents, David E. and Lucy Bicknell, on the family homestead. One of 11 children, Kenneth is survived by a sister, Alice Perrine, of Salt Lake City; and brother, David Bicknell, of Apache Junction, Ariz. The family moved by covered wagon from the Maybell homestead in 1929. The folks left with nine children to Meeker, Colo. There the remaining two children were born.

Kenneth graduated from Meeker High School in 1936. He later worked for Janes Brothers Trucking during the early 1940s. On one of his driving outings he passed by the house where he would wave to his future wife, Margaret Richardson. Soon after, on June 27, 1947, he married Margaret.

The couple enjoyed a marriage of 59 years.

He later worked for Rio Blanco County, where he was a mechanic, and retired in 1975. The family moved to Kalispell in 1978.

Kenneth was considered a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many. He used his skills to help family and friends in any way he could. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed every opportunity to go fishing with his children, grandchildren and friends.

Kenneth was a great inspiration to those who knew him because he always extended kindness and patience in all he did. He provided a multitude of memories that will last a lifetime for all who knew him. A few such memories are: many woodcrafts, miniature furniture, refinishing and repairing furniture. Ken would do anything to be helpful or to provide keepsake momentos.

He was also known as the local guru for smoking fish and the word traveled fast everywhere he lived.

Kenneth came to know the Lord Jesus Christ sometime in the 1980s and this faith gave him peace and comfort as he began to decline in health.

Kenneth was blessed with four sons, Kenneth F., Gary, Ray and Ron; 18 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and eight siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Kenneth, Gary, Ray and Ron; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Alice; and brother, David; all of whom will miss his presence and the joy he brought everyone.

There will be a celebration of his life held during the summer of 2007.