In Memory of Ken Siderius

Hear Ken Siderius' incredible vision for conservation and dedication to the people of the Flathead Valley in this video

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our most beloved Flathead Land Trust family members, Ken Siderius, who passed away on December 1, 2024.

The Siderius name is well known in the Flathead Valley. The family has been farming and involved in the community longer than some people can remember. Ken Siderius embodied the Siderius name profoundly. He was deeply respected in this community and knew its people and its values firsthand.

Ken interacted with people first and foremost as a fellow community member, as a person who grew up here, raised his children here – as someone who invested most of his life and resources in the valley. He was a man of action, of unwavering optimism, and was always dedicated to standing up for what’s right. We owe him so much for his leadership and volunteer service to Flathead Land Trust.

Ken was a devoted advocate for maintaining the integrity of the Flathead Valley – its open spaces, clean water, abundant wildlife, scenic beauty, and rich farmland. He believed that by working together we could sustain the natural values that make this valley a great place to live for future generations, and that the work of Flathead Land Trust could achieve this passion. He was on the Board of Flathead Land Trust from 2003-2009 and served as the President of the Board for six of those years. Ken’s encouragement, enthusiasm, optimism and connection with a multitude of people in the valley were key to conserving over 5,000 acres of land in the Flathead Valley during his leadership with Flathead Land Trust. His unwavering passion and belief that you can get things done by listening and working together led to significant conservation. During his tenure as President, many acres along the Flathead River and north shore of Flathead Lake were conserved, the McWenneger Slough Fishing Access Site was established and an addition was made to Lone Pine State Park. He was recognized by Flathead Land Trust for incredible leadership and conservation achievements with their first Conservation Leadership Award in 2015. He also served on Flathead Land Trust’s Lands Committee for over 20 years where he continued to share his vast knowledge of the valley, its history, and its people to facilitate countless other conservation projects, including the creation of Somers Beach State Park. He was passionate about preserving the Flathead Valley’s special places; ensuring future generations could create lasting memories there, just as he had. “I’ve had a wonderful life and I think we have an obligation to make sure others can, too. You know love isn’t love until you give it away.”

Ken Siderius’ guidance and contributions will ensure Flathead Land Trust’s continued success in preserving the Flathead Valley’s quality of life for generations to come!

In the words of Don Murray “Ken believed that every child was special and every acre was special”. Read a wonderful synopsis of Ken’s life HERE.