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Folksinger Frank Konken dies at 94

A man who, with his family, formed one of the best-known local musical acts of the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, has died at 94.

Frank Konken recorded several albums of Russian folksongs with wife Ruby and their children.

A native of Columbia Gardens, Konken began singing at an early age, and soon picked up several instruments.

“Those that knew him rarely remember a time where he wasn’t with his guitar, harmonica, or accordion, sharing his vibrant voice,” his obituary reads.

He and Ruby were a popular folk-country duo in the West Kootenay/Boundary, and as their children grew up, they joined the act, known as The Konkens and later K-Kountry.

You can find many of their recordings at https://doukhobormusic.ca/doukhobor-music-04.htm

Konken also served as rural Grand Forks director on the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary from 1979-84.

He died on Dec. 10. Konken and his wife had recently moved to Trail after many years of residing in Victoria.

Greg Nesteroff
Greg Nesteroff
Greg has been working in West Kootenay news media off and on since 1998. When he's not on the air, he's busy writing about local history. He'll soon publish a book about the man who founded the ghost town of Sandon.

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