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| May 6, 2018 1:00 AM

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Pitcher

Kenneth Edward Pitcher, 79

Captain Kenneth Edward Pitcher, Retired USMC, passed away Jan. 2, 2018, in Lewiston, Idaho. He was 79.

Ken served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medals. He was a competitive pistol marksmen and instructor in Camp Pendleton, Calif. After serving for 22 years as a U.S. Marine, he went to work for School District 391 in Kellogg, Idaho, as a senior Marine military instructor for the JROTC Program. After retiring from the school district, Ken set his sights on helping veterans, and was hired by the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. As an accomplished service officer, Ken had the distinction of being the only one in the division to serve all three of Idaho’s Veterans Homes in the Office of Veterans Advocacy.

After retiring from IDVS, Ken was active in the VFW and rose to the office of commander for the State of Idaho; this was a huge honor of which he was immensely proud. He was also a life member of the Marine Corps League and Disabled American Veterans. Ken was selected to be on the Governor’s Council of Veterans Affairs and continued his work assisting veterans.

Ken loved the Idaho outdoors and was an avid hunter and enjoyed reloading during the off-season. He enjoyed these things with his good friends, Pat Teague and Dave Helsley.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Bill) Chapman and Cynthia Pitcher; son, John Pitcher; stepson, David (Marie) Brochier; stepdaughter, Christine Brochier; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; three great-step-grandchildren; and brother, Harvey Pitcher. He was preceded in death by wife, Celia; his former wife, Judith; and his parents, Dale and Louise Pitcher.

A service and inurnment will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road., Boise, ID 83714.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018, at the VFW Post #10043, 1104 Warner Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501.