Kenneth Raymond Hirsch

Kenneth Raymond Hirsch, a man dedicated to his family and community, passed away at the age of 85 on August 17, 2023, at his Ione, WA home.  Ken was born on September 11, 1937, in Colville, WA, the son of Raymond Henry and Florence Katherine (Jacobsen) Hirsch.

Ken grew up in Colville where his entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age.  He and his life-long friend, Dan Inman, found business opportunity in the collection, de-scenting and supplying of skunk pups to pet friendly clients.  He attended kindergarten through senior year in Colville, WA, graduating with the class of 1955 as a 12-year senior.  During these years and until 1963, Ken worked at the Old Dominion Creamery in Colville, alongside local electrician Ivan Harland and assisted at a body shop learning how to prep and paint vehicles.   He took some heavy electronics courses at Spokane Community College and found an opportunity to apply his education as an electrician/lineman on the Pasco/Spokane route for the Northern Pacific Railway.  Three months later, he got a job at the Pend Oreille Public Utility District as a groundman and moved to Ione, WA.  Through the years he was promoted to apprentice lineman, journeyman lineman, line foreman and finally line superintendent in 1983.  Ken retired in 1994 after working for the Pend Oreille County P.U.D. for 31 dedicated years. In 1999 he was elected as a P.U.D. Commissioner and served in that position for 12 years.

In April of 1961, Ken married Marcia Jean Gallaher and they began a family and a marriage of 62 years.  They would share in the joy of welcoming three daughters, Debbie, Kathy and Michele.  Ken provided for his family and held high standards with a strong character of discipline.  He showed his love through his actions and expectations of respect and work ethic, which he offered in return.  Ken was a large advocate for his girls and his support could be heard loudly in the bleachers at their school events and games.  His spare time was devoted to community needs and family projects.  He painted vehicles for family and friends and took an active role in all his family's remodel and renovation projects.  His determination led him to turning the small cellar under their little house in Ione into a basement by hand digging it, a task that took him three strenuous years to accomplish. Ken's grandchildren enjoyed a grandpa that loved to adventure outdoors with them on side-by-side rides, hunting & fishing adventures, as well as supporting them at their sporting and other events. He had a special bond with grandson Bryant Maupin, whom he spent a vast amount of time with hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. In 2004 they both qualified for the Spokesman-Review trap shoot, both coming home with 1st place trophies from their classes.  He was a co-founder with Denny Braun of the famous "One-Pan Breakfast" and cherished the return of Sunday dinners with family.

Ken had an arsenal of one-liners and jokes to create a continuum of laughter.  He was an avid bowler and traveled to Colville weekly from Ione to play in the league.  Throughout the years, Ken & Marcia enjoyed numerous vacations and outings with friends and family whether it be hunting camps, houseboat and fishing trips, and going to Alaska. Many stories could be told of the times spent together hunting and fishing with treasured friends, Sam Nicholas and Adolf Botzheim.  He loved his family and fought to be present with them throughout his battle.

His community involvement included his role as Mayor of Ione, Ione City Councilman, Selkirk School Board Member and the North Pend Oreille Lion's Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Henry Hirsch and Florence Katherine (Jacobsen) Hirsch; best friends Danny Jo "Hardbody" Inman and Sam Nicholas; brother-in-law, Dennis Braun; and sister, Aileen Bresnahan.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marcia Hirsch, at the home; three daughters, Debbie Schlomer (David) of Endicott, WA, Kathy Maupin (Kenny) of Ione, WA, Michele Lembcke (Del) of Colville, WA; grandkids, Michael Schlomer, Levi Schlomer, Nicole Link (Garrett), Bryant Maupin (Hannah), Kendra Clowser (John), Abby Lembcke, Devin Lembcke, Jory Maupin and Tandem Maupin Carrier (Russ); great-grandchildren, Berkley & Annie Maupin, Karl, Wyatt & Ellie Schlomer, Mykenzie & Shailey Maupin; sister, JoAnne Hirsch; and a host of extended family and friends.

The memorial service for Mr. Kenneth Raymond Hirsch will begin at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Cutter Theater in Metaline Falls, WA, with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion.  Ken will be laid to rest with an ash committal ceremony at the Riverview Cemetery in Ione, WA.  Memorial contributions may be given to the North Pend Oreille Lions Club.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.