Kenneth A. VanEngen

PABLO — Kenneth A. VanEngen, 65, of Pablo, passed away Friday, May 12, 2006.

Ken was born in Tacoma, Wash., on May 7, 1941.

He had been a truck driver since the age of 17, putting many miles on several trucks over the years. He retired in 2003.

In 1962, he married Caroline Partney. Together they had five children. They later divorced.

In 1982, he married Patricia Meeks and loved her three boys as his own.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia in 2003 and stepson Shane Meeks later that same year. Also preceding him in death were his mother Miva and four brothers, James, Cliff, George "Bud" and Ivan "Dutch."

Ken is survived by his seven children, Robert (Candy) VanEngen, Debra Hirst (George Wicks), Miva VanEngen, Katherine VanEngen (Merv), James (Hillary) VanEngen and Chad and Jason Meeks; 20 grandchildren; and 2 1/2 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Also surviving are one brother, John (Judy) VanEngen, and two sisters, Marjorie Liedle and Kathleen Johnson.

His heart belonged to his little dog critters, Bandit, Misty and Ozzie, and his kitty Baby Girl.

Our dad cherished his many friends he met along his routes. Special thanks to all of those who cared for Dad after his retirement and the death of his wife. You are all too numerous to mention.

A private family memorial was held in Missoula on May 16.