In Memory of Ken

My step-father Ken Emery passed away on Tuesday February 22, 2000 at the age of 60. The music you hear in the background is the song "Put Another Log On The Fire" and could easily be deemed as Ken's theme song since he played it often on his guitar. I wanted this website to be a celebration of Ken's life rather than a sad mourning of his death. I think that's what Ken would have wanted.

Ken building the log cabin in 1983

Ken has been in my life for over 25 years. We didn't always see eye-to-eye on issues. When he had something to say, he said it whether you wanted to hear it or not. He did not butt into others lives and was encouraging and supportive. I can pretty much guarantee that if my brothers and I were lost in the woods for a month, we could survive just fine thanks to the way of life Ken showed us. You see, Ken built our log cabin in Windsor and we lived without electricity and running water for several years. I resented the situation then but now I am glad I experienced it.

Ken developed a relationship with a dog named Tobey. We got Tobey in 1981. He was half black lab and half springer spaniel, giving him a chocolate lab appearance. I'll never forget the day Ken brought me to pick up Tobey. I had no idea where we were going. We waited in the driveway of a house I didn't know. When the owner arrived, he let out a litter of puppies. I was so happy to see the puppies. I had always wanted a dog. A brown one was handed to me and Ken said to me "Which one do you want?" I didn't care...I just wanted one so I said "This one." and that is how Tobey came into our lives.

Ken and Tobey in 1983.

Tobey passed away in 1994. Ken handmade a casket for him, lined with cloth and everything. He was buried behind the house in Windsor. Ken was saddened at the loss of his friend. Noone could ever fill that void.

Ken and Tobey in 1990.

Ken had a good heart and a good spirit. He never dumped his problems on anyone and was honest and kind. He sometimes gave us the appearance that he was selfish and uncaring but I don't believe that is how he was inside.

Ken's 52nd birthday in 1991.

Ken playing his guitar.

Ken enjoyed playing his guitar very much. He has written the lyrics and music for a few songs. He has even sent recordings to Nashville but he never received a response. Ken taught me how to play the guitar. I don't play it much now but I will always remember what he taught me. His patience wore thin at times as he tried to show me the right chords but he inspired me to play along with him. We often got together with friends and family members to play and sing. It's a fond memory.

Ken was a great grandfather to my children. He was friendly and kind. My daughter Kirstin and he were penpals for a while. I was surprised and pleased when she received her first letter from him because he doesn't sit down and write many letters to anyone. She enjoyed writing back to him. Ken was at the hospital when my first and fourth children were born. He always visited as soon as he could. He was apprehensive about holding a newborn baby and I didn't force him. In his own time, he would ask to hold them. My youngest daughter was born exactly two months before Ken died. He was able to meet her once.

Ken holding his granddaughter Kirstin in 1990.

Ken holding his grandson Cody in 1993.

Another love in Ken's life was his Honda Shadow 1100 motorcycle. Ken enjoyed riding his motorcycle and often was accompanied by friends and family. He would pack up the saddlebags on his bike and head out for the day. If the weather turned wet, he would head for the nearest pine tree until the rain passed! He refused to wear a helmet, which I disagreed with, but he knew the risks and was happy doing it his way.

From left to right: Eva, Ralph, Ron and Ken. Ken's motorcycle is on the far right.

Ken also enjoyed talking on his CB radio. His handle was "Yogi Bear" in the late 70's into the 80's but his most recent CB handle was "Gravy".