Kenneth Filkins

Kenneth Duane "Kenn" Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 1, 2019, at the Hospice of the EUP - Hospice House. Kenn was born on August 31, 1957, in Flint, Michigan to the late Earl and Lucille (Atkins) Filkins. He graduated from North Branch High School and later earned his Bachelor's Degree from Great Lakes Christian College. Kenn was a former minister at the First Church of Christ, Donaldson Presbyterian Church, and the founding minister of New Beginnings (now the E-Free Church). He was also a writer who authored several books, magazine articles, and was a former editor of the Sault News. He was the owner of Filkins Fotos and, in his youth, the co-owner, with his brother, of Byte Brothers Computers. Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed fly fishing. He taught classes on tying flies and had been a salmon fishing guide. He was an avid chess player and loved to teach kids the game. He also ran several tournaments for both high schoolers and grand-masters. One of his biggest joys was falconry. He raised birds from baby chicks and was the first person in Michigan to get a permit to obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the snowy owls, his favorite birds were the Harris hawks and red-tailed hawks. Kenn helped so many people and was so full of compassion and grace. He was always there for anyone that needed help, from lending a helping hand to lending an ear. Kenn is survived by his wife: Marti Lin Filkins, whom he married on May 13, 2000, in Barbeau, Michigan: two sons: Micaiah Filkins of San Francisco, CA, and Andrew (Holly) Filkins of Lansing, MI: three step-sons: Mark Bisdorf of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Greg Bisdorf of Point St. Lucie, FL, and Bradley (Marina) Bisdorf of Sault Ste. Marie, MI; and two grandchildren: Jack and Ida Filkins. Kenn is also survived by three siblings: Leroy (Cheryl) Filkins of Davison, MI, Douglas (Mary Lou) Filkins of North Branch, MI, and Michelle (Mark) Gavelya of Hudsonville, MI. Kenn was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Donald Filkins; and a step daughter-in-law: Brittany Bisdorf. A gathering will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Friday, February 8, 2019, at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Sault E-Free Church with Pastor Greg Steere officiating. Friends may call at the church that same day from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to Hearthside Assisted Living.

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Kenneth Filkins

August 31, 1957 - January 1, 2019