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Ken Vermeulen Obituary
1933 -2012 S. W. Kenneth Vermeulen died on October 5, 2012 at home after a long battle with illness. He was 79.
Ken was born in Somerville New Jersey May 4, 1933. A man of extraordinary passion for life, Ken spent his entire adult life in the Berkshires.
Ken joined the army and after arms and leadership training became an M-1 Rifle instructor at West Point. He began his entrepreneurial career founding The Kenver Archery Company in Great Barrington, specializing in custom arrows shipped around the world. Within a few years he opened Kenver Sporting Goods on Railroad Street with his close friend Ernie Beckwith, specializing in hunting, fishing and the new world of skiing.
Over 40 years ago he and his family moved to South Egremont and founded Kenver Ltd., the award winning winter sports store. As a lifelong sportsman he excelled in fly fishing, off shore saltwater fishing, skiing, tennis, bicycle racing, track and field, hunting, landscaping and gardening. In addition to his athletic talent, Ken was a teacher and mentor to scores of young people who were committed to living life to the fullest.
During the last decade Ken moved on to develop his longtime passion for sculpture and furniture making with salvaged wood from native trees. He established KenverHomeworks and collaborated with likeminded individuals creating custom tables and home furnishings.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lucinda Fenn-Vermeulen, his daughter Cheryl Vermeulen Collins, her husband Chellis Collins, their daughter Ashley Collins of Washington DC, their son Braden Kurt Collins of West Springfield, his son Brad Vermeulen and his life partner Linda Crowley of Natick Ma, his son Lance Vermeulen, his wife Cara and their son Chase Stryker Vermeulen of South Egremont, his brother John Vermeulen and wife Vicky of Rancho Murietta CA, along with cherished members of his extended family.
Ken is predeceased by his fourth child Kurt who died at age 26 and his parents Jack Vermeulen of Holland and Elaine Downey Vermeulen of Barbados.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A celebration of the life of Ken Vermeulen will be held at the South Egremont Congregational Church on Friday October 19th at 4:00 PM.
The Vermeulen family will receive friends and acquaintances from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers or gifts in Ken's memory the family asks that you donate to The Ken Vermeulen Project Native Nature Fund, Project Native is a non-profit native plant farm, nursery and wildlife sanctuary in Housatonic. Donations may be sent through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to the family through www.finnertyandstevens.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ken Vermeulen
Ernie Blood
October 2, 2025
Yea KEN,
Your encouragement certainly made me continue with archery and go ahead
with winning many tournaments and going ahead to be a success in life.
wow, wow, Ken you had an incredibly good influence on my life......ernie blood
Dale Brown
October 29, 2012
Ken had a inner light that reflected on whomever he was with. His zeal for living, sports and family will always be remembered. My memories are richer for having known him and I give thanks to having shared a small part of his life.
Eileen Cohen
October 14, 2012
Cherie&Chellis
Cherie, I know how much you adored your Dad and although I never met him I felt as if I did listening to you speak of him. His accomplishments were many but I'm quite sure he considered his family his number one achievement. Know that you brought great joy to his life. I am so very sorry to hear about your Dad's passing.
October 11, 2012
Dearest Lucinda and Family ~
Both Michael and I would like to send you our deepest condolences for you at this time. We will always remember our afternoon with you and Ken, enjoying a glass of wine in the lovely home he crafted. We send our prayers to you at this time of loss and hope for comfort for all of you in the days ahead.
Deepest sympathy,
Randy Florence and Michael Karalis
Ben Blood
October 11, 2012
Dear Lucinda and family,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Words can only inadequately express my feelings at the passing of Ken. For me Ken was a great inspiration in my life's direction. He nurtured me in archery 50 years ago so that I had great success. That success was encouragement to me for taking on other challenges. I even started my own business as Ken has done several times over successfully. Every time I visit Great Barrington from Vermont, good thoughts welcome me as I drive down Stockbridge Rd and remember the
adventures at Ken's golf and archery range. Every time I walk around GB I see Lance's business and have walked in a few times to say hi and inquire about Ken. Every time I'm in Great Barrington I always stop at Kenver in Egremont to swap stories with my old inspiring Friend. For me, I'll greatly miss those little traditions I had over the years on my visits to GB and for me I'll greatly miss the man who always had time for me, mentored me, encouraged me, and inspired me.
I miss you Ken !
Lee Decker Watroba
October 10, 2012
Dear Cher, Brad & Lance,
my heart goes out to you all. Your dad was so important to all the Egremont gang growing up. I have so many happy memories of skiing and the shop and so much laughter. He will be greatly missed. With love, Lee Bee
Al Kazura
October 10, 2012
We were so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I learned so much from Ken in the years that I worked with the Kenver Ltd family. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies go out to his family and all will be remembered in our prayers. Al & Kathy Kazura
October 9, 2012
Lucinda and family- thinking of you--Mary Errichetto
October 9, 2012
I am so sad to see such an awesome person leave us. He was alway's one of my favorite people. He will be missed!
Mary C. Errichetto-Stockbridge,mass
Cary Weil Barnett
October 9, 2012
Dear Cherie, Lance and Brad,
I am thinking of you, and as well of fond memories and happy times I spent with you and your wonderful parents and Kurty too so many years ago. My deepest condolences to you all.
Cary
Tricia Brown
October 9, 2012
I am very sorry to hear about Kenneth.
One of my fondest childhood memories was playing football and tennis behind the store. I think Ken really liked that we had so much fun and developed our small town friendships down there.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tricia
Julieann VanRumund
October 8, 2012
Ken was one of the sweetest men, I had the pleasure of knowing.He will truly be missed.My condolences to his family.
Julieann VanRumund
Ernie Louison
October 8, 2012
To the Vermeulen family: I am so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. It was always a pleasure seeing and talking with him, whether it was business or just a chance meeting around town. Be very proud of his accomplishments and cherish memories of your time together. Rest well, Ken.
Ray Andrews
October 8, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Ken's passing. Ken had a tremendously positive impact on how I live my life for which I will always be grateful. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
October 8, 2012
Sorry to hear of ken's passing, Doug and Cookie
October 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken was always personable and professional to us and his kindnesses will not be forgotten. With deepest sympathy, The Egremont Police Department
Nancy Stock Woodard
October 8, 2012
Lucinda, Lance, Cara & Chase,
Words cannot describe who Ken was. And words also cannot descibe the loss we are all feeling now. Our thoughts and prays are with you. Nancy & Bruce
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