Ken Patrick was quite possibly one of the most
famous Park
Rangers in the history of the Park Service. Born in1933
to"Slim" Patrick, the manager of Phantom Ranch, Ken grew up at the
Grand Canyon.
Once he was a man, he began a great career of service to the NPS, doing
everything from guiding tours down the Canyon to clearing paths in the
nearby forests.
Much of his early life was very difficult, and Ken
began his career working meager jobs which were very dangerous.
Ken had a great gift for Canyon service, and was often
described as "born too late", due to his overly western personality and
appearance. Also, Ken had a noteworthy musical career, and had a great
talent with the guitar. More infamously, on August 5, 1973, Ken was the
first park ranger ever killed in action. He left behind 4 children and
his wife. While he was a very good park ranger and was truly gifted
with animals and machines alike, Ken had a troubled family life. He
married twice, had four
children, and also had numerous affairs. However, despite his personal
failures, Ken left behind a significant legacy at the Grand Canyon.
Kenneth Patrick came to rest at the Grand Canyon on August 9, 1973.
Ken's Official NPS Photo
A young Ken ascending a ridge in the Grand Canyon