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.