Kenneth "Ken" Clarkson age 88 of Tonasket, died on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at North Valley Hospital in Tonasket. He was born on July 30, 1926 in Synarep, WA to parents Walter and Violet (Utzinger) Clarkson. Growing up, Ken lived with his mother's parents until moving to Spokane where he attended West Valley High School. He then began working for an asphalt company there until entering the U.S. Army. He served his country during WW II and following an honorable discharge, moved to Tonasket. On February 3, 1948, he married Betty Oakes in Tonasket. In 1952 he and his father began Clarkson sawmill in Tonasket. They later received the contract to provide all the lumber needs in the building of Chief Joseph Dam. In the 1960's they expanded their operation to include logging and Ken helped to build many of the roads in the Lost Lake area. The mill closed in 1968 and then Ken became a full time cattle rancher; a job he did for a number of years before retirement. He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Oroville Golf Club. He was a past president of the Tonasket Gun Club and enjoyed trap shooting, travelling to many shoots throughout the country. Ken enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing and especially loved elk hunting in the Clockum with family and friends. He was a member of Aurora Lodge #201, the Scottish Rite and El Katif Shrine.

SURVIVING RELATIVES

2 daughters: Barb (Bunk) Ayers of Tonasket and Terri (Rod) Armbruster of Deer Park

1 Son: Jim (Lisa) Clarkson of Tonasket

Half-brothers: Dale (Vicki) Clarkson and Don Clarkson

Step brother: Bob (Mary) Rickel

Grandchildren: Bobbi Ayers (Gerald), Jason (Jill) Ayers, Ryan (Hayley) McCliment, Regan (Pat) McCliment-Call, Stephanie (Kory) Schertenleib, Jessica (Dave) Hylton and Zack Clarkson

Great Grandchildren: Dylan and Rylee Fewkes, Kody, Taylor, Walker, Karlee and Maycee Ayers, Tanner, Tyler, and Jacksen McCliment-Call, Tyson and Kara Schertenleib and Cash Hylton

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Walt Clarkson and Violet Rickel; his wife, Betty; step sister, Betty Dean; step brother, Bill "Willie" Rickel and one grandchild, Michael Ann Ayers.

SERVICES

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 11:00 AM at the Tonasket Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.