Kenneth W. Avery

Kenneth W. Avery, 87, of 198 Jacksonsville Road, Colrain, died Sunday, January 14, at the home in which he was born on May 30, 1930.

He was the son of Clifford W. and Eleanor E. (Booker) Avery.

Ken attended grammar school in the old Town Hall in Colrain and then graduated from Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls in 1948.  He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts School of Agriculture, graduating in 1952.

He married the former Elizabeth G. Cummings on July 23, 1960.  She predeceased him on July 22, 2002.

He owned and operated the CT Avery & Sons Poultry Farm in Colrain from 1952 until he founded the Fort Morrison Jersey Farm in the late 70s which is still in operation.

He served on the vocational school building committee from 1966 -1969 as well as the planning board for the Town of Colrain from 1971-2013.

Ken was very involved in the various agricultural organizations.  In the 1970s he served as vice president and then president of the Farm Bureau Cooperative of Greenfield.  In the 1980s he served two terms each as vice president and president of the Franklin County Farm Bureau of which he was a member of over fifty years. He was also a member and delegate of the Mass State Farm Bureau and during the 1990s he served on its Dairy committee.    He was also an active member of the United Co-Operative Farms, Inc. – the Board of Directors (1984-1990), Vice-President (1986-1988) and then President (1989-1990).

His other memberships include the Mass. Jersey Club (40+ years), and the New England Jersey Assoc. (40 + years) with which he served one term each as Director, Vice President and President.  He was also a member of the National Jersey Cattle Assoc. (40+ years).

Ken served as vote representative for the Agrimark Milk Cooperative for the region for many years.

He was also a member of the East Deerfield Rod & Gun Club.

Survivors include his daughter Robin E. (Timothy) Hartnett of Colrain , sons Craig W. (Michelle) Avery of Colrain, Thomas R. (Shelley) Avery of Shelburne; grandchildren Kyle J. (Laura) Hartnett, Lindsay E. Hartnett, Evan J. Hartnett, Danielle A. Hartnett, Marissa R. (TJ) Hoose, Lauren E. (Glenn) Sullivan, Sarah E. Avery; and 2 great-grandchildren Avery R. Hoose and Sloane E. Hartnett.

A graveside service will be Friday, January 19, at 11:00 am at North River Cemetery in Colrain.

There are no calling hours.

It is suggested donations be made to either the Colrain Community Church, Main Rd. Colrain, Ma 01340 or to Life Path, Munson Street, Greenfield, Ma 01301.

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