Kenneth Parker Ela, 76

Kenneth Parker Ela, age 76, passed away peacefully at home Sept. 17, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 43 years, Wende; his four children, whom he was incredibly proud of: Tracey Lee (Craig Austin), Kelley Winters (Jeremy), Taryne Thomas (Ben), and Warren Ela (Tayler Petticolas); and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Fred, Dennis, and Janette. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alan.

Born on Aug. 13, 1950, to Phillip and Mazie Ela, Ken was born and raised in Fryeburg, Maine. After graduating from Fryeburg Academy in 1969, he married Becky Eakin (Tester). He answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army and serving in Washington, D.C., and Okinawa, Japan.

In 1975, Ken made Hayden, Idaho, his permanent home. Ken started his logging company, Mid-Mountain Land & Timber, in 1979.  When logging became less profitable, he purchased highway frontage land and started building light industrial/commercial buildings. In 2000, Ken started Warren K Industrial Park, or as Wende called it, ‘Ken’s Sandbox’ for his love of moving dirt. Amid growing business ventures and raising a family, Ken enjoyed pursuing his lifelong interest in agriculture through raising and selling cattle. Ken was widely respected for his fierce work ethic, incredible business savviness, integrity, and his uncanny, unforgettable ability to always "tell it like it is." He left a lasting mark on the local community.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at his shop, 12118 N. Tracey St., Hayden, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ("beer-thirty"). All who knew and loved him are welcome to come, share a story, and raise a can to a life well-lived.

In lieu of sending flowers, please go spend time in the mountains with those you love.

    Ela