Kenneth George Friskey, “Pop,” passed away peacefully Friday morning, January 23, 2009. Ken was born August 9, 1918, to Charles and Ida Friskey, in Calumet, MI, a small copper mining town (the link to Douglas) on the tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He grew up during the Great Depression and spent his youth in the woods and in Lake Superior’s icy waters.
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Ken spent his working life at the US Postal Service, first in Michigan, then in Douglas, where he was a mail carrier, a postal clerk and a rural carrier, making friends at every stop. Pop had other, widely varied interests. He served on the board of directors for the Golf Club, of course, plus the Red Cross and the YMCA, was a Friend of the Library, an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of the arts and of DARC. He was devoted to children, all children, and served as a Little League coach and a Cub Scout Den Father. Ken fought for equality of opportunity for all and against injustice in any form, and belonged to ACLU, Amnesty International and Common Cause, to name a few.
Ken was a proud veteran of WWII, and served in North Africa, Italy, England and France, where his troop’s activities were chronicled in the book (and later movie) Castle Keep by his friend William Eastlake, a member of the unit. But Ken became a peace activist during the Vietnam War and ever since. Pop was also instrumental in bringing the Community College system to Arizona, and maintained an active interest in politics even through this last election while battling severe health issues.
Pop is survived by his wife, Ellen Cline Friskey, and his five children. Klaudia Bonnell, lives in Prescott Valley, Arizona; Kraig Kobert (and Julie), in Jackson, Wyoming; Kirk Kobert (and Joanne) in Phoenix; Ken E. Friskey (and Christie) in Tucson; and Karl Friskey (and Linda) in Gold Canyon. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ken was preceded in death by his six older siblings, including Carl and Idella, of Douglas, and by his first wife, Dr. Louise Friskey.
Pop kept his intelligence and wit, his concern for others’ welfare and his sense of humor even through his physical struggle. He maintained his optimistic and thoughtful attitude, and graced us with his smile and twinkling blue eyes, right to the end. Following his instructions, Ken’s remains have been cremated. The family is planning a ceremony to be held in Douglas next month, to remember and celebrate his remarkable and joyous life.
Comments
vickie weaver wrote on Dec 11, 2009 9:10 AM:
Tony Vasquez wrote on Mar 4, 2009 1:40 PM:
Jorge Duron wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:50 PM:
Our sincerest condolences to the family. "
Art Lee Atonna wrote on Feb 10, 2009 9:14 AM:
Art Atonna wrote on Feb 10, 2009 8:43 AM:
Kenny Sugarman wrote on Feb 10, 2009 5:32 AM:
Hilary Chavez wrote on Feb 8, 2009 5:37 PM:
Roger M. Estes wrote on Feb 5, 2009 10:26 PM:
I am sorry he had to pass and will miss him greatly.
Roger "