Ken Harvey Jr.

Former Plains resident Ken Harvey JR, 71 passed away unexpectedly Oct. 4th 2013 at his home in Walla Walla,WA. He was born in Blackduck, MN. to Kenneth and Dona (Palmer) Harvey. Ken spent the first nine years of his life on their Dairy farm, moving to another farm in Whitefish, MT. for six years. The family moved to Plains in 1956. Ken graduated from Plains High School in 61. During high school, he worked for Don and Betty Coe at the newspaper, The Plainsman (Valley Press) as a linotype operator, Don was a great influence on Ken and he made the newspaper his lifetime career. He joined the Navy in 1964, spending six years furthering his education in Journalism and Photography, stationed in Italy and Greece, After the military, in 1970 Ken returned to Plains for a short time, working again at the Plainsman. Leaving Plains, he worked for newspapers in Great Falls, Rapid City, SD, Scotts Bluff, Neb., Spokane and Walla Walla. WA. where he remained, working for Inland Printing for 25 years, up until his death. Ken became an avid bowler, starting at age 14, while setting pins for the VFW Club in Plains. At age 16 he had the opportunity to bowl professionally, but chose not to. Over the years he bowled three perfect 300 games and many 298 and 299, winning many awards and dozens and dozens of trophies. Years later in a house fire he lost 13 bowling balls. Ken also enjoyed fishing and camping. He was married twice, both ended in divorce. Ken is survived by one daughter Gina Vinson, Olympia,WA., longtime friend and companion Jan Sans, Walla Walla, WA., sisters Katherine Beck, Saint Ignatius, MT., Dena Harvey, Hot Springs, MT., brothers, Dick (Elaine) Point Pleasant NJ., Dave, Plains, several nieces and nephews and many cousins. Ken was proceeded in death by his parents. Services were held in Walla Walla and a memorial will be in Plains this summer.