- Born on: February 18, 1943
- Departed on: September 29, 2009
Kenneth Marvin Davenport
I will miss seeing Ken at the Iowa Capitol and at the many forums figthing for libraries
Ken was a great friend to libraries and librarians all across Iowa. He helped me not only with E-Rate (which was greatly appreciated), but with his encouragement in the face of the many challanges that beset libraries-particularly the small ones. His sense of humor and his down to earth approach to issues was especially helpful. I'm not going to say that I will miss Ken because, since his passing, I feel as though his spirit is still with us. God be with his loved ones. Darlene
I have heard Ken talk at one of the workshops while attending ILA and he did have a very good sense of humor and you could tell that he really enjoyed talking to others. I'm sure that Iowa Library Community has lost one of the good ones. I'm sure his friends and family will miss him greatly. The good go first.
One has perhaps too few true friends in their lifetime - I have always been proud to count Ken as one of mine. We shared many wonderful times - debated and solved the world's problems - challenged each other to be the best we could be - laughed and cried together - and perhaps most of all helped each other enjoy life to the fullest. I have and will continue to miss Ken.
Ken was a person that made a definite impression and we often wondered what happened to him. We did know however that with his beard, suspenders and sense of humor that he would be noticed and successful at whatever he chose to do. When we first met Ken he was living in a carriage house in south Minneapolis on Pillsbury Avenue and was running the "Copy Shop" in Dinkytown. He later went on to be the executive director of "Earth Shoes" in Minneapolis. Selling Earth Shoes was quite the opportunity for Ken's sense of humor. To Sell Earth Shoes one must "be a real heel or have a lot of soul". Ken was very active with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and for a period of time was the Craft Coordinator and lived on-site year-round. He was the only person we ever knew that actually lived in a "Hobbit Hole". Ken was also, believe it or not, my racquetball partner. We were saddened to learn about his death but in reading the other memorials he certainly left a legacy.
We will always remember Ken's beard, suspenders and sense of humor. He was a true library advocate in every sense of the word. He will be missed.
I was so sad to hear about Ken's death. I had the great privelege to work with Ken on erate (he kept me sane) and as a librarian in McGregor for many years. He was wonderful and generous and funny. He will be so missed.
Ken, it's been a week today since you died. I am glad we were able to be with you at the end, and to meet Jack. I think you would smile to see all of the Face book activity this past week--you are missed greatly.
You were an inspiration and role model to me in many ways, from the earliest moments that I can recall. You will be deeply missed and forever loved!
Ken was a gruff old teddy bear who loved libraries and being a librarian. We shared many ideas and most times came to the same conclusion. Enjoy your soft comfy chair up there. We will miss you.
Ken could always make a group of librarians seem funny. And make your presence seem worthwhile.
I have been on the library board in New Albin for almost 30 years. I have had many long talks with Ken over the years. He sure knew his stuff. I am sad to have him gone. I had heard he was ill but didn't realize he was so ill. I will miss him as I am sure his colleagues too. Lisa Fruechte New Albin Public Library
Ken was one of a kind. He was always interested in what was happening at your library and offered his advice freely and with humor. Moreover, he asked advice on issues from those of us working every day in small libraries.
My condolences to all Ken's family. I feel blessed to have known and learned from him. I'm happy he has been able to shed this earthly body and I'm looking forward to being tapped on the shoulder by his encouragement in my job ahead.
Ken, it's been a week today since you died. I am glad we were able to be with you at the end, and to meet Jack. I think you would smile to see all of the Face book activity this past week--you are missed greatly.
My condolences to all Ken's family. I feel blessed to have known and learned from him. I'm happy he has been able to shed this earthly body and I'm looking forward to being tapped on the shoulder by his encouragement in my job ahead.
Ken was a person that made a definite impression and we often wondered what happened to him. We did know however that with his beard, suspenders and sense of humor that he would be noticed and successful at whatever he chose to do. When we first met Ken he was living in a carriage house in south Minneapolis on Pillsbury Avenue and was running the "Copy Shop" in Dinkytown. He later went on to be the executive director of "Earth Shoes" in Minneapolis. Selling Earth Shoes was quite the opportunity for Ken's sense of humor. To Sell Earth Shoes one must "be a real heel or have a lot of soul". Ken was very active with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and for a period of time was the Craft Coordinator and lived on-site year-round. He was the only person we ever knew that actually lived in a "Hobbit Hole". Ken was also, believe it or not, my racquetball partner. We were saddened to learn about his death but in reading the other memorials he certainly left a legacy.
Ken was a great friend to libraries and librarians all across Iowa. He helped me not only with E-Rate (which was greatly appreciated), but with his encouragement in the face of the many challanges that beset libraries-particularly the small ones. His sense of humor and his down to earth approach to issues was especially helpful. I'm not going to say that I will miss Ken because, since his passing, I feel as though his spirit is still with us. God be with his loved ones. Darlene
I'll miss Ken a lot. After talking to Ken on the phone, I always hung up with a smile on my face. In fact just thinking about Ken, always brought a smile to my face.
Met at ALA - a good guy. John D. Berry; ALA Councilor at Large, 2001-2004
Thinking of Ken. We have donated the new Debbie McComber Cedar Cove cookbook to the library in Ken's name. We knew how he loved food and thought he would have liked this. He had helped our small library with some internal problems and was a great source of knowledge. He will be missed. Carol Walthart, Colesburg Library Director
My condolence to Ken's family. Work with Ken many year with Cedar-Net and time I spent running the Waterloo Public Library's electronic BBS (before the Internet). He was fun and easy to work with in providing electronic services to the Cedar Valley. He will be missed.
Ken was hugely important to the national library community for his work on E-Rate. After the ALA Midwinter meeting, you will receive an official American Library Association Memorial. I personally will miss him a great deal.
I'll miss Ken a lot. After talking to Ken on the phone, I always hung up with a smile on my face. In fact just thinking about Ken, always brought a smile to my face.
You were an inspiration and role model to me in many ways, from the earliest moments that I can recall. You will be deeply missed and forever loved!
Ken could always make a group of librarians seem funny. And make your presence seem worthwhile.
Slán go fóill
Ken, Every time a lusty, funny joke goes past my computer screen I'll wish I could share it with you! You have a special spot in my heart and I owe you for the years of friendship and wonderful advice you provided.
I will miss seeing Ken at the Iowa Capitol and at the many forums figthing for libraries
I was so sad to hear about Ken's death. I had the great privelege to work with Ken on erate (he kept me sane) and as a librarian in McGregor for many years. He was wonderful and generous and funny. He will be so missed.
Ken was one of a kind. He was always interested in what was happening at your library and offered his advice freely and with humor. Moreover, he asked advice on issues from those of us working every day in small libraries.
Met at ALA - a good guy. John D. Berry; ALA Councilor at Large, 2001-2004
Ken, Every time a lusty, funny joke goes past my computer screen I'll wish I could share it with you! You have a special spot in my heart and I owe you for the years of friendship and wonderful advice you provided.
I have heard Ken talk at one of the workshops while attending ILA and he did have a very good sense of humor and you could tell that he really enjoyed talking to others. I'm sure that Iowa Library Community has lost one of the good ones. I'm sure his friends and family will miss him greatly. The good go first.
Thinking of Ken. We have donated the new Debbie McComber Cedar Cove cookbook to the library in Ken's name. We knew how he loved food and thought he would have liked this. He had helped our small library with some internal problems and was a great source of knowledge. He will be missed. Carol Walthart, Colesburg Library Director
I have been on the library board in New Albin for almost 30 years. I have had many long talks with Ken over the years. He sure knew his stuff. I am sad to have him gone. I had heard he was ill but didn't realize he was so ill. I will miss him as I am sure his colleagues too. Lisa Fruechte New Albin Public Library
Slán go fóill
Ken was hugely important to the national library community for his work on E-Rate. After the ALA Midwinter meeting, you will receive an official American Library Association Memorial. I personally will miss him a great deal.
We will always remember Ken's beard, suspenders and sense of humor. He was a true library advocate in every sense of the word. He will be missed.
Ken was a gruff old teddy bear who loved libraries and being a librarian. We shared many ideas and most times came to the same conclusion. Enjoy your soft comfy chair up there. We will miss you.
One has perhaps too few true friends in their lifetime - I have always been proud to count Ken as one of mine. We shared many wonderful times - debated and solved the world's problems - challenged each other to be the best we could be - laughed and cried together - and perhaps most of all helped each other enjoy life to the fullest. I have and will continue to miss Ken.
