Obituary of Kenneth Leslie Burch

Kenneth L. Burch (65) lifetime St. Maries area resident died August 18, 2015 at Spokane, WA. He was born July 11, 1950 to Frank and Grace (Kendall) Burch at Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Ken grew up in St. Maries and graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1969. Following graduation, he went to work for the St. Maries Complex of Potlatch Corp. In 1973, he and his brother Larry purchased a truck to “team drive” long haul trucking for Systems Transport in Spokane, WA. In 1976, they traded in the truck for two Kenworth’s, one for each brother. They hauled for Builders Transport out of Great Falls, MT. Ken married Mary Hult on April 29, 1978 at Coeur d’ Alene. They made their home at St. Maries. Ken purchased a cab-over Peterbilt and returned to work for Trans-System Transportation Co.. He was divorced in 1983. Ken was working for Trans-Systems Inc. at the time of his death. Ken enjoyed hunting and camping. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed driving 4-wheelers. Ken enjoyed his trips to Hawaii and Aruba where he loved to scuba dive. He was a loving father, grandfather, uncle and brother. His daughter said “ He was everyone’s best friend. He would give you the shirt off his back if needed”. Ken was a member of the Benewah Valley Assn. and the American Trucking Assn. Ken is survived by his daughter Heather Burch and son Devon Scott both of St. Maries. His sister Mrs. Don (Linda) Timken of Medimont, ID and two grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry Burch and Nephew Larry Thomas Burch. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, August24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Hodge Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Benewah Valley Comm. Center at Mile Marker 11 on the Benewah Valley Road. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com