Kenneth Wilson, 90

On Dec. 7, 2022, Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Wilson, of Kalispell peacefully passed away at Logan Health Medical Center surrounded by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.

Ken, the first of three sons, was born Feb. 15, 1932 in Ismay, Montana to Clyde and Betty Wilson. They moved to Smith Valley in Kalispell in 1938, where Ken attended Batavia Elementary and Flathead High School (FHS), graduating in 1950.

Ken joined the U.S. Navy in 1951, working in air intelligence; he took, processed, and interpreted photos captured by reconnaissance airplanes. He served during the Korean war and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954.

During his naval leave, Ken started dating FHS and Western Montana College of Education graduate Carolyn Best. They were married July 26, 1953, at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell. The couple lived in Norfolk, Virginia, during the final year of Ken’s military service.

Attending college at Montana State University, he received his degree in industrial engineering in 1960. His first job after college was for Potlatch Forest as a special products salesman. In 1968, he went back to college and received his teaching certificate. Moving to Gardiner, Montana (north entrance to Yellowstone National Park), Ken found his passion for teaching industrial arts (auto mechanics, welding, wood shop, and drafting) at the high school from 1968-1979. Ken and Carolyn, both educators, then moved back to Kalispell, where Ken taught welding at Whitefish High School from 1979 to 1993. Many students were impacted by his classes and teaching style, learning lifelong skills, with many of them going on to get jobs in welding. Businesses would request students from his classes, due to their strong welding skills. All of his children are college graduates as they were influenced by their parents’ belief in getting a good education.

Ken’s construction skills were demonstrated in the homes he built for his family over the years. Ken also loved woodworking and remodeling houses, then renting them out. For over 20 years, (full-time for 10 of those years), the couple traveled to Arizona in their RV, making friends throughout the country. A true Montanan, they always returned to the Kalispell area. FHS recognizes his service as a veteran annually on Veteran’s Day.

Ken is survived by his wife, Carolyn, of 69 years; his brother, George; his son David and spouse Linda — two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; his son Steven and spouse Barb — 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his daughter Lyndia and partner Alan — two grandchildren; and his son Bryce and partner Michelle — two grandchildren.

A remembrance is planned for Father’s Day, June 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Hungry Horse Reservoir at the Canyon Creek campground to celebrate Ken’s life and passion for the outdoors, especially fishing. Family, friends and past students are welcome to attend. A military salute and flag will be presented. His wife and children want to thank him for all the amazing adventures, passing on his love for the outdoors and giving support through the years. His memory and stories will live on, even the most exaggerated ones!

Gifts in his memory are suggested for FHS, Attention: Career Services, 644 4th Avenue West, Kalispell, MT 59901, where a scholarship in his name will be awarded to vocational students seeking further skills at a trade school. The family thanks those who visited him in the hospital, the medical center staff for making his passing peaceful and comfortable, and those who have sent their well wishes.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.