Kenneth R. Bishop: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Rutland Herald (VT) - Friday, August 4, 2006

Deceased Name: Kenneth R. Bishop

SPRINGFIELD - Kenneth R. Bishop, 67, died July 26, 2006, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Born October 18, 1938, the son of Harold and Katherine Bishop, Ken spent his entire life on the family farm in Springfield. He was a 1957 graduate of Springfield High School and in 1959, received an associate's degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts. Upon his return home, Ken took over operation of his family's dairy farm, which he managed until his death.

In 1970, at the age of 31, he was injured in a farm accident, which led to his eventual loss of mobility in 1986. With exemplary fortitude, he continued to operate his 600 acre farm, and to remain involved with state and local organizations. A lifelong member of the Vermont Farm Bureau, serving on its board of directors in recent years, Ken was also president of the Windsor County Farm Bureau. He received numerous awards and recognitions. From its beginning, Ken Bishop was a driving force for the Windsor County Agricultural Fair and served as its chairman from 1999 to 2004. He had been a trustee for the Vermont Dairy Council and the Vermont Dairy Herd Improvement Assn., and a member of the County Extension Service Board. It was one of Ken's proudest moments when in 2002, Gov. Jim Douglas presented him with the Vermont Century Farm Award, a recognition of 100 consecutive years of a family's farm ownership. This was no small achievement in a time when the Vermont landscape reflects the rapid disappearance of its family farms.

In 2003, Ken was appointed to the Governor's Commission for the Connecticut River Watershed Advisory Committee. He served on numerous local committees and was a past member of the Springfield Planning Commission and the Springfield Hospital Advisory Board. He was an active member of the Springfield Lions Club for over 35 years, a member of the local Elks Club and past president of the Springfield Jaycees. Ken was an avid supporter of Springfield High School's football, basketball and baseball teams. He seldom missed an athletic event. Among his passions were the Red Sox and New England Patriots, the Bishop family genealogy and the Civil War.

Ken is survived by his wife, the former Floreen Parent Keifer. They had renewed the friendship of their youth in 1984 and were married in 1986. His children include Karen Fitzgerald of Nags Head, NC; Peter Bishop of Hyde Park, VT; Christopher, who lives in Springfield; Jeffrey of Ithaca, NY; Charles of Chester, VT; and Elise Keifer of Long Island, NY. Surviving are two brothers, Sanford of Glenville, NC; Victor of Bellevue, WA; and a sister, Susan Boynton of Tajunga, CA. Grandchildren Evan, William, Colin, Sydney, Justin, Dylan, Kenny and Anthony, ranging in age from 2 to 21 years, were his greatest joy.

Ken Bishop was a common, yet extraordinary man. He defied change in the Vermont tradition, but when tragedy changed his life, he embraced it with dignity and courage.

A memorial fund to benefit Vermont farmers with disabilities has been established. Gifts may be sent to The Kenneth R. Bishop Memorial Fund, c/o Vermont Farm Bureau, 2083 East Main St., Richmond, VT 05477.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel.