Kenneth G. Phillips passed away March 28, 2011, at his home in Coeur d'Alene.

Ken was born Feb. 1, 1921, on a farm in Luxenburg, Minn., the only child of Herman Treaton and Edna Florance Phillips.

In 1928 the family moved from Minnesota to Salmon and the Lemhi Valley area. Ken went to school at the Brooklyn school, the Baker school, the Sandy Creek school and the Kirtley Creek school and then back to the Brooklyn school, graduating from Salmon High School in 1941.

The family moved to Jolliet, Ill., and after graduating he joined his family for a short time before going to Tulsa, Okla. He was employed by Douglas Aircraft. During this time he received his pilots license. Ken became a specialist for the company. One of his duties was to give the "a26 aircraft" a final inspection and firing the engines up for the ferry pilot personnel.

After the war, Douglas Aircraft closed down, so he went with civil service to Gwam. There he joined the Burns project as an aircraft ground inspector and was employed by the Salmon River Flying Service. His duty was ground maintenance, ambulance and back country flying. During this time he also owned and operated three different teenage clubs called the K G clubs. The last one was built by the main street next to the Salmon River Bridge across from the Salmon Creamery building.

In September 1953, Ken married Frances Brough Tanner. Frances had three children, Shirly Tanner Pearson, Kay Tanner Shepard and Larry Tanner. Two have since passed; the only one left is Shirly.

Ken went to work for Dino Aircraft for seven years before going to Northrup Aviation. Later he worked with Northrup overseas division.

Frances traveled with him during his duties in Iran and Saudi Arabia.

While overseas they visited many foreign countries. He taught warrant officers and commissioned as well as being supervisor of his department. Frances became ill so they moved back to their home in Coeur d'Alene. Frances passed away in August 1985 after her battle with cancer.

A year later, he married Josephine Jakovac Tyacke, who had six children, three deceased and the living are Joseph Tyacke of Spirit Lake, Anna Tyacke of Pocatello and Molly Lorenzo of Coeur d'Alene. Ken had no children of his own but with his wives previous marriages afforded him time with step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No one could love or spoil them more than he did.

He was a very loving and devoted parent to his family and he will be remembered for his caring and loving way and for having the biggest heart, and willingness to help anyone.