Kendall (Kenny) L Tracy

Born: 25 Jun 1954

Died: 18 Aug 2011

At the age of: 57

Spouse: Paula Tracy

Children: Ron, Rett, Jess, Jade

Parents: LaVere Tracy, Fontella Tracy

Obituary:

Kendall L. Tracy, 57, died surrounded by his family, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho, of cancer.

He was born June 25, 1954, in Brigham City, Utah, the son of LaVere and Fontella Tracy. His early years were spent in Malta, Idaho, graduating from Raft River High School in 1972.

He attended Utah State University on a football scholarship, playing running back. His lifelong love of sports never dimmed, with many a day spent at kids, grandkids and friends sporting events, watching BSU football and Utah Jazz basketball.

After college, he worked as a surveyor for the state and continued in the cattle business.

He married the love of his life, Paula, on Sept. 29, 1978, in Malta, Idaho. They ran registered Hereford cows and worked as custom fitters, preparing show and sale cattle.

In 1985, they moved to Minidoka, Idaho, to continue their livestock work as herdsman at Split Butte Ranch. Ken and Paula were able to work side-by-side and made many lifelong friends, as they travelled the country exhibiting Herefords for the ranch.

KT’s lifelong ambition was to build a better Hereford and his eye for cattle was exceptional. The progeny from his matings were always on the cutting edge. He spent hours with his Hereford friends, both in person and on the phone. A day didn’t go by without trying to find that next great bull or cow.

For years, he hosted “cowboy” church on Sundays at the ranch office. It consisted of a cup of black coffee, sometimes a doughnut and great conversation centered around cattle.

He valued others and prided himself on getting the most out of others. In many cases, the recipient didn’t even know he was helping them, until years later. He saw the good in people, on the inside and didn’t care what the kind of “costume” they wore.

He was a straight shooter whose compliments were few, but meaningful.

KT was a friend, mentor and role model. His legacy will be proudly carried on by many.

Ride on Cowboy, ride on!

Survivors include his wife, Paula of Acequia; three sons, Ron and his wife, Jeni of Minidoka; Rett and his wife, RyAnn of Burley; Jess and his wife, Christy of Clearwater, Kan.; and daughter, Jade of Burley; one brother, Bud of Eugene, Ore., and sister, Verna Markuse of Santa Rosa, Calif.; grandchildren, Rysten, Remington, Joesie, Kassidy, Siarah, Baeleigh-Jo (affectionately nicknamed Fred), Kiley, Jaxton, Kinlee, Chloee, Taygen; and great-granddaughter, Madisyn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Acequia LDS 1st Ward Chapel, with Bishop Calvin Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at the Valley Vu Cemetery in Malta. Viewing for friends and family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kenny Tracy Junior Hereford Scholarship Fund, in care of Cache Valley Bank, 101 N. Main, Logan , UT 84321.

Funeral Program: