Kenneth D. Pollworth, 61, of Grangeville, passed away peacefully Nov. 13, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born March 23, 1950, in Park Rapids, Minn., to the late Fred and Shirley Pollworth. He graduated high school from Frazee, Minn., received a bachelor's degree from Saint Cloud State University in Minnesota and earned a master's in education administration from the University of Idaho. He proudly and honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1974.

In 1976, Ken moved to the mountain town of Avery, Idaho, where he began teaching in a classroom of combined fifth- through eighth-grade elementary students. He spent three years as elementary school teacher and principal in Harrison, Idaho, prior to becoming the principal of Grangeville Elementary and Junior High School in 1987. Ken spent 11 years proudly serving the community through education and positively influencing students, teachers and staff. He finished his career as an assistant principal at Kodiak High School in Kodiak, Alaska.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting and enjoying even more retelling the stories from his many adventures. He spent summers guiding white-water raft trips on the Salmon River and fishing tours in Alaska. Ken meticulously restored several automobiles, was a past member of the Grangeville Border Days Committee and participated in numerous community groups and charities.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; daughter Lani Pollworth (Steen Morvan); siblings Nancy (Bill) Jenkins, Ron Pollworth, Kathy (Steve) Bess and Tim Pollworth; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Pollworth.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Grangeville Christian Church, 407 West South First St. Arrangements are by Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to GEMS Ken Pollworth Memorial Fund, c/o Mountain View School District 241, 714 Jefferson St., Grangeville ID 83530. Send condolences to the family to: Blackmer

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