Kenneth Bertrand, 01/14/1940 - 04/09/2014. Ken passed away peacefully at age 74 with his loving wife by his side in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His life was built around bringing joy and smiles to others. 

Kenneth “Ken” Bertrand was born in Fargo, N.D., on January 14, 1940. He was the first born of Clemence Savageau and Ralph Bertrand. He attended St. Anthony’s grade school in Fargo until 1951 when his parents moved to Ontario, Calif. He completed grade school at St. George’s and then attended Chaffey High School in Ontario, where he graduated in 1957. He volunteered for the draft, and served as a radio operator for 22 months in the U.S. Army in Germany until January, 1961. 

After being discharged from the Army, Ken worked as a salesman for Kraft Foods, Sara Lee Corp, and Leggs Pantyhose distribution of Henderson, Nev. He started numerous small businesses in house painting, window coverings and flooring, became a property manager for a large mobile home park in Hemet, Calif., and maintained landscaping and properties for the Coeur d'Alene Parks Department. 

Ken was an energetic salesperson, and was usually found in the center of a group with his quick wit, pleasant smile, intriguing ideas and solutions; he was an easy initiator of conversations. With children, he quickly had their attention with his jokes and antics. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Susan. 

Ken and Susan are especially to be remembered for caring for his mother, Clemence, during the last five years of her life. They were devoted, patient, caring, and solicitous in satisfying her every day and critical needs. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Clemence and Ralph Bertrand, of Ontario, Calif., sister, Ione Bertrand, of Ontario, Calif., and brothers: Leo Bertrand, of Fargo, N.D., and Eugene Bertrand of Ontario, Calif.

Ken is survived by his wife, Susan (Symons) Bertrand; sister, Angela (Bertrand) Jacobs, of Fargo, N.D., brothers: Gerald Bertrand, of Villa Park, Calif., and Lawrence Bertrand of Carlsbad, Calif., children: son, Timothy Bertrand, of Capitan, N.M., daughter, Annette (Bertrand) Jacobs, of Apple Valley, Calif., stepson, Jacob Reed, of Minot, N.D., and stepdaughter, Angela (Reed) Mort, of Coeur d’Alene; 12 grandchildren: Julia Bertrand, Olivia Bertrand, and Elianna Bertrand of Capitan, N.M., Kalen Jacobs of Denver, Colo., Danielle Jacobs of Apple Valley, Bryce Mort, Brett Mort, and Brooklyn Mort of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Rachelle Reed, Alexis Reed, McKenna Reed, and Jacob Reed of Vero Beach, Fla. 

Ken loved God and was at peace with His plan for him. 

In order to honor Ken's wishes, no service will be held. A potluck celebration of his life will take place from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at the American Legion Hall, 1138 E. Poleline, Post Falls, Idaho. Ken’s ashes will be interred at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. Those wishing to leave remembrances of Ken online can sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.