Kenneth Allen Hall

Kenneth Allen Hall of Viola died at his home on Sunday, March 17, 2013 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67. Ken was born October 19, 1945 at Tonasket, WA to William A. and Lois C. Vaught Hall. He grew up and attended school in the Sandpoint area, graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1964, where he served as Student Body President. While in high school he delivered a speech on "Wildlife through Conservation" in Kendrick, Idaho. Ken attended the University of Idaho, graduating with his degree in Secondary Education with a major in political science in 1969. Ken was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and many college student body committees. While attending the University of Idaho, he met and married Connie J. Bottjer of Moscow on June 8, 1968. Together they worked side by side for Frank Church and numerous other democratic candidates, scouted football teams, worked on civic projects of all kinds and raised two terrific sons, Kelly and Tony. Ken continued his education at the University of Idaho, obtaining his Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 1974. He taught history and coached football and basketball in Kellogg, then served as principal at Mullan Jr. and Sr. High School from 1975-1977. From 1977 until 1981 Ken served as the director of Public Works for the State of Idaho. During his tenure he supervised the building of a performing arts center, many college lab and classroom facilities, and state agency headquarters. His swift and accurate repair of the Idaho State Prison after a major riot there brought him a 1980 Governor’s Achievement Award from a grateful state. From 1981-1995 Ken served as the Director of Facilities at the University of Idaho. His initial project was the repair and replacement of the Kibbie Dome roof. He was also instrumental in the renovation of many campus facilities including restoration of the Administration Building Auditorium and renovating the boiler system into an efficient wood fired boiler. In 1995, he and Connie opened The Emerald Gourmet at the Eastside Marketplace which they operated until 2000. Since 1995, Ken has been the owner of Ken Hall Construction which included the renovation of many of the historic homes on the Palouse and the building of the homes at Prospect Place. He was especially proud to build the Rotary Memorial Ice Rink and continued to be strong supporter of the rink and all its activities. Ken was honored to receive the Jaycee Award to Outstanding Young Men of America (1980) , Governor’s Award for Meritorious Service to the State of Idaho (1980), APPA International Award for Excellence in Facility Management (1989), PCAPPA President’s Meritorious Service Award (1990), and Rotary Paul Harris Fellow (1988). Ken was an active member of Moscow First United Methodist Church, Moscow Rotary (President 1988-89), Palouse Habitat for Humanity where he served as site supervisor, Latah County Democrats (Precinct committeemen), Pacific Coast Association of Physical Plant Administrators of Colleges and Universities (President 1987-88), and past member of Elks, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce, the Latah Federal Credit Union Board, Moscow Youth Soccer Association Board, and the UI Summer Theater Board. Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Connie, at their Viola home, sons, Kelly Allen Hall (wife Erica) of West Union, South Carolina and Tony Robert Hall (fiancé Ashley Plantier) of Carnesville, Georgia. His grandchildren, Kenly Allen Hall, Hannah Grace Hall, Zoey Lee Hall and Zane Robert Hall, Jaelynn Plantier and his mother, Lois of Sandpoint and a brother, Warren of Coeur d’Alene. He was preceded in death by his father in 1996. A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 1:00 at Moscow First United Methodist Church. A private burial will precede the service at the Viola Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 9774, Moscow, ID or to Palouse Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 3054, Moscow.