Kenneth Lee Beckedahl, 52

In memory of Ken Beckedahl.

Kenneth Lee Beckedahl, 52, took his last ride Aug. 23, 2015, passing on the 24th when he and wife Peggy Beckedahl were riding their Harleys home from a weekend getaway.

Ken was born in Kenmare, N.D., Dec. 20, 1962, to Darwin and Jackie (Weaver) Beckedahl. He grew up and was raised on the family farm along with his two sisters, Tammy and Rochelle, outside Sherwood, N.D. The farm is where Ken learned his strong work ethic, which he carried throughout his life.

From the very beginning he had a fascination with motors - from tractors, cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, snowmobiles, you name it! One of his favorite gifts growing up was his first BB gun, shooting everything in sight. He loved hunting with his dad. Family outings, often with extended family, included camping, waterskiing and snowmobiling. With friends many hours were spent cruising main street and road tripping to neighboring towns.

After graduating from high school he went to work on the oil rigs which led him to Greeley, Colo. Here he met at "The Zoo" the love of his life, Peggy Briggs. They married the following year on June 21, 1985. Recently Ken and Peggy celebrated 30 years of marriage and love.

Ken and Peggy were blessed with and welcomed into the world their daughter, Brandi on April 3, 1987.

Ken decided to further his education, becoming an airplane mechanic. After graduating, Ken's love for the outdoors and adventure made him set his sights on Alaska. One short week is all it took for him to secure a job at Temsco Aviation. Ken gave up his Mopar Super B for a fifth-wheel camper and made the journey to Ketchikan with his family.

The family grew from three to four with the birth of their son, Dylon on March 10, 1992. They lived in Ketchikan for seven years enjoying crabbing, shrimping and deep sea fishing. Moving to Eagle River, to further Peggy's education, opened opportunities for Ken to hunt larger game - working as a mechanic for various hunting lodges. This is when Ken turned his passion for airplanes into a hobby and achieved his pilot's license. Ken loved the open skies!

Ken had many epic adventures living the Alaska life with his family. Making his dreams come true with hunting treks, fishing trips, family camping and flying. Not being a sit around kind of guy, Ken made plans happen, taking his family on multiple fun-filled and memorable vacations and cruises.

Having the opportunity to manage Shoshone County Airport, Ken and family moved to North Idaho where he opened his own business, Leading Edge Aircraft Service, rebuilding and maintaining small aircraft, specializing in Dehavilland Beavers. His quality work and reputation generated trust and respect throughout the aviation community.

Ken fulfilled another dream buying his first Harley Davidson. He loved to ride and Peggy quickly joined him with a Harley of her own. They rode all around the western U.S., Canada and even Australia. This hobby and love introduced them to many new friends and brought them on many journeys.

Ken became a grandpa on July 22, 2015, with grandson Barrington "Bear," bringing him great joy and showing a softer side of Ken. He was also overjoyed to know he was going to be a grandpa a second time. Another grandson is on the way in January 2016.

Ken is preceded in death by dad Darwin Beckedahl and father-in-law Paul Briggs.

Ken is survived by wife Peggy Beckedahl; children Brandi and Dylon Beckedahl; future son-in-law Davin Mercado; grandson Barrington Mercado and expected grandson; his mom, Jackie Beckedahl; sisters Tammy Howell (Sean Girard) and Rochelle Clogston; nephews Dalton, Logan and Travis; niece Darian; and mother and father-in-law Shirley and Bill Magnum.

Those who knew Ken remember him as a "take me as I am, tell it like it is," charismatic, loyal, hardworking and passionate man. He had a jokester personality without filter and loved to live life to the fullest with no regrets. Ken will live on forever in our hearts.