Plains mourns loss of coach killed in crash
The town of Plains is mourning the loss of a teacher and coach who was killed in a car wreck last week.
Plains Schools Superintendent Thom Chisholm said that faculty member Kenny Marjerrison died in the accident.
According to Montana Highway Patrol, the accident happened just before 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, outside of Arlee on U.S. 93.
Highway Patrol Sgt. Chan Barry said the vehicle Marjerrison was driving veered into the other lane. Barry confirmed both drivers involved in the accident were wearing seat belts. He said the investigation is ongoing.
Marjerrison was the information technology director and head coach of the Plains/Hot Springs High School Savage Horsemen wrestling team.
He leaves behind a wife and two children, as well as many family members, friends and students he taught.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kenny’s immediate family and friends, as well as his extended family of the Montana wrestling community,” said Chisholm on Thursday morning.
“We [Plains School] have allowed faculty members some time this morning to grieve, then we will slowly move into the school day and week. We have also organized outside staff and counselors to assist students and staff should they need grief assistance as it may necessitate,” he added.
Colleagues from around the state have been reaching out to the community to send their thoughts to all who knew Marjerrison.
Messages to friends and family expressing their thoughts to those closest to Marjerrison continued on social media.
“All-American man,” “He was a force for good in this world” and “Such a sweet and honorable man,” were just a few of the comments describing Marjerrison.
Many people from outside of the county left messages on the Clark Fork Valley Press Facebook page.
Joel T. Graves said, “This breaks my heart. I absolutely loved watching this man coach his wrestlers. He was a class act who was deeply respected by all the wrestling community. My deepest condolences to his family and wrestlers.”
Jake Kelly wrote, “My heart aches for the Plains community and Ken’s family and friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Ken was an amazing coach and deeply respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”
Many residents in and around the Plains and Sanders County community have changed their profile photos to the Savage Horsemen wrestling logo.
Tom Bauer posted on the I wrestled in Montana Facebook page, “As a wrestling official I had the privilege of officiating many of his high school matches and many of his wrestler matches, never a cross word, I don’t remember Kenny ever questioning a call I made. He should have but that was Kenny, the ultimate gentleman.
“Something that only a wrestling fraternity will understand, we are family Kenny and we will miss you and remember you every time we step on that mat. You are victorious, and now that you are in paradise, please watch over us and guide and make us all victorious. We love you Kenny.”
Scott Kinney summed it up, saying “Montana Wrestling lost a great one. Kenny was an outstanding wrestler for me in Plains and I was fortunate to hand over the keys to the program when I took a job in Ronan. Kenny leaves behind an amazing wife and two beautiful children. Please keep Plains High School and the Marjerrison family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Accounts have been set up at local banks in Plains for donations to the family.
Services will be held for Kenny Marjerrison on Sunday November 5 at 2:00 pm at Plains
School Gym, Plains, MT for family and friends to pay respects.