Kenneth Joe Polich was born to Vic and Lila Polich on Jan. 8, 1945, in Albuquerque, N.M. Kens dad was away serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II when time came for Ken to be born, so his mother took a taxi to St. Josephs Hospital, where Ken was delivered. When she was discharged, she and Ken rode the bus home from the hospital.
On June 5, 1964, 19-year-old Ken married Janey Clawsen, who remained his bride, partner and best friend for the rest of his life. They have three sons, Kenneth Levi (Levi), Koy Dee and Kyle Lee Polich. After living in Grants and Farmington, N.M., Ken and Janey made their home in Cortez in 1975. Here their family grew to include two daughters-in-law, six grandchildren and one great grandson.
Ken started a 30-year career with Mountain Bell Telephone Co. when he was 19. He retired in 1994.
Kens favorite pastime was roping and talking about good horses. Helping the youths of our community and supporting them and their interest in rodeo was a passion in Kens life. He spent time coaching, sponsoring and traveling with the Ute Mountain High School Rodeo team. He helped his three sons and many others develop their roping skills.
For many years, Ken Polich was a fixture at the Ute Mountain Roundup. While the rodeo was put on in the American Legion Arena, Ken manned the gate leading into the arena. He resumed that duty when the rodeo was moved to its current location at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds.
Ken was an honest, hard-working and respected man in our community. He treated everyone he met as if they were part of his family, and that is to say he treated them very well. He never knew a stranger. Next to his family and friends, he loved his horses.
Ken passed away Dec. 6, 2010. There are reports that he has been seen at the big rodeo arena in the sky on his favorite horse Snip. Ken was reportedly telling all his favorite roping stories.
In Kens honor, for all three performances of this years Ute Mountain Roundup, the entrance gate to the arena shall be designated as Kens Gate.
Long live cowboys!
