Ken, Matt, and Chatter shucking corn
Last week Jennifer let me know her father, Ken Roper, passed away the morning of June 6. My heart was saddened. Ken was a true friend of my family and Blind Pig & The Acorn.
He was a faithful reader and commenter for many years—almost from the beginning back in 2008.
The first time I met Ken, he told me a funny story about how he found Blind Pig & The Acorn.
Ken was getting assistance for his machine shop from Tri-County Community College’s Small Business Center. The lady who was helping him told him about my blog, but somehow Ken didn’t realize she actually knew me because I lived nearby.
He followed the blog for a good while thinking I lived in Mississippi 🙂 Then finally one day I mentioned something about this area and he realized I lived in the same county he did!
From that point on Ken not only supported me by reading and commenting on the blog daily, he supported my entire family by coming to see us perform at various places, purchasing cds and other things we were selling, and making things for us.
He made me the best black walnut cracker you ever saw. He made it with wormy black walnut wood, so it not only works wonderfully it’s pretty too. Ken even put my name on it.
Ken’s daughters had to move him away from his beloved mountains once his health begin to fail. They are planning a memorial service for him here in the mountains in the coming weeks. Jennifer said she would let us know when they have more details.
I always try to write about long time Blind Pig readers who pass away, but Ken provided so much content for me over the years that this entire week will be dedicated to him.
If you had a connection with Ken and would like to write something in his honor or share a story or even just a general comment you can send it to me at blindpigandtheacorn@gmail.com.
Since this is the time of the year for celebrating the tradition of gardening I will share a short story from Ken about his garden.
“I use to have a big garden, there was things I planted that I didn’t eat much (for my neighbors). One day my friend and dozer operator stopped by (C. F. Myers) and ask me to go see my garden. We crossed the creek on a footlog and before long we were in my garden. Just as we were nearing the upperside, he bent over and scratched out a radish, rubbed it on his sleeve to get it clean and devoured that thing. Well, I had two long rows, so I pulled 8 or 10 more for him.
On the way back to the shop. C.F. pulled his cap off, exposing the top of his head. I could see little balls of sweat running down his jaws and he said “boy, those radishes are good and Hot!” I got them at Ennis Hardware and the pack never said anything about them being Hot, must be the black soil.
I was Pallbearer at C. F.’s funeral, I still have his woodsplitter. His wife bought it for him when she worked at Emerson, back in the 70’s. …Ken”
Last night’s video: Taming Our Tomato Forest in Appalachia.
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so sorry to hear about Ken. I have seen and read many of his post on here. The people on here do become like family. Again so sorry.
Ken Roper is another person whose comments over the years made me feel like I knew him just a little bit – sort of like someone you meet on a mutual friend’s porch one day. I’m glad you’re going to be sharing some of his words this week, Tipper. Condolences to family and friends.
Tipper, my heart felt sympathy for the earthly departure of your good family friend Ken. Praying for comfort and peace during this time of earthly grief for his family, you and all Ken’s friends.
His story about the radishes and his friend was fitting since he remembered a friend that had passed on, just like you remembering Ken and sharing stories of y’all’s friendship.
Tipper,
Sorry to hear of your friend Ken’s passing. I think I read in your blog that Matt didn’t care much for radishes.I had a friend in the Navy about fifty years ago that ate peanut butter and radish sandwiches, everybody called him “big red”. I doubt the peanut butter will do much the change Matt’s mind, but I still eat them. I enjoy your Blog, wish I had found it sooner.
Middleburg, Fl
Dimorphism to read about Ken’s passing. What a wonderful story about his garden. Radishes do get hotter as they grow larger. You are so sweet to dedicate the week to him. I look forward to reading more about him.
Hot radishes. I have read that as the radishes began to get bigger and older some varieties will get hot but will not be hot if eaten when small. I remember sitting at the table in the early 60’s watching my bald head grandaddy eating hot pepper when we ate Sunday dinner (noon) with them and watching beads of sweat run off his head. Then and even know, I don’t understand how people can claim something that hot is good.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. I’ve tried to search the BP&A archives to read Ken’s post but cannot find them. Maybe you can shoot me an email with some info!
I thought I posted this morning but haven’t seen it. I’ve had so many interruptions maybe I didn’t.
Thank you for all you do. Continued prayers for your family✝️
Brenda-Thank you! Most of Ken’s contributions were in the form of comments. Which are hard to hunt for. The archives are sort of hard to sort through too. I wish there was a way for folks to search by year or month. I should look into adding that feature! At the end of each post there is a line of photos you can sort through that come from the archives 🙂 You did post this morning, it just takes me a while to publish them sometimes-sorry about that 🙂
I was sorry to hear about your friend Ken Roper. I will pray for you & his family during this time of grief in your lives. I am glad you will be dedicating this week to Ken & stories from the past so I can get to know him better. Hugs!
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Ken. When you first told of his passing I went back and have read several of his comments and I know he will be missed. Looking forward to hearing more about him this week. Thank you for letting us all know. It feels like us BP&A gang are a family here and even though we may not know everyone in person, we still can come together, be here for one another and lift each other up. I will be praying for Ken’s family and for Miss Cindy and all of you.
Ken was a friend I never met in person, but I will!
The last time I talked to Ken was when he was in the nursing home in Asheville following his heart surgery. I called him but he didn’t seem to know me so I didn’t call him back. Realizing what he had gone through before and during his surgery I could understand his memory being foggy. I didn’t want to force him to remember me and was confident he would call me if and when he got better. He never did.
I did call the number several times starting a few days after we talked but there was no answer.
Sad to hear of Ken’s passing. I talked with him several times. I offer a sailor’s farewell:
Farewell, my friend… I wish for you fair winds and following seas, deep green water under your bow, your main rifles trained in the posture of peace, and a gentle breeze at your stern.
Tipper, that’s kudzu in the photo, right? I hate that stuff.
Gene-it is:) it was growing out behind Ken’s shop.
Didn’t know Ken, but after reading all the tributes, I feel the loss just the same as if we had been neighbors. John Donne said it best: “No man is an island . . . every man’s death diminishes me, for I am involved in mankind. . . .” Condolences to the Ropers, the Lawsons in their tragic loss, and to the entire BP&A family .
I surely hate to hear of Mr. Roper’s passing and my prayers and heart go out to everyone who knew and loved him- he sounds like quite a man! Tipper, when I read this blog, I look for the same names. Over time, I can’t wait to see what everybody says. When a name goes missing, I can’t put my finger on it, but I always know somebody is missing that should be commenting. I do miss Mr. Roper’s enlightening and kind comments. I miss Miss Cindy’s comments too. May the Lord bless us all as we face challenges and losses this and every day.
I’m sorry for the loss of you friend. Sounds like he was a good man and I look forward to your stories this week.
I’ve been trying to find BP&A archives from 2008 but no luck so far. Maybe you can give me some info.
Thank you for all you do. Continued prayers for all the family✝️
I’m a real newbie to BP&A, I don’t remember how or why I started following you and the girls, just glad I did. I’m looking forward to stories of Ken, what a wonderful thing to do.
It must have been a hard decision for Ken’s daughters to move him after he became ill. I remember reading Ken’s comments throughout the years, the making of the black walnut cracker being one I remember well. If he ever mentioned owning a machine shop, I must have missed it. My ex-husband and I owned a machine shop in Louisville that he still operates after all these years.
Praying that God will bless Ken’s family and Miss Cindy and her family.
Tipper–That photo of shucking corn, along with mention of the footlog across the little creek at the back of Ken’s shop leading to his garden evokes some cherished memories. The first time I met Ken we crossed that very log and gazed on one of the finest patches of runner beans my eyes ever beheld. Ken graciously shared seed of those heritage beans with both Br’er Don and me, and they are the climbingest, producingest ones I’ve ever seen. Don’s got a photo of him perched atop a tall step ladder, reaching as high as he can, with bean vines running out the ends of an arrangement of big canes that must be fifteen feet high. Who knows how high they’d run if they had the support. Whenever I think of Ken I’ll envision a big pot of green beans simmering with a couple of chunks of streaked meat and vines climbing Heavenward.
What a fine fellow he was and I’m blessed, as is true of you and your family, to have known him.
My heart goes out to Mr. Ken’s family. I enjoyed reading his comments and I’m sure we will all enjoy reading about him this week in The Blind Pig. Continued prayers for your family as well. Have a blessed week everyone!
I have enjoyed reading Ken’s comments for years. I never met him but I could tell from his words that he was salt of the earth. Praying for peace and comfort for his family and yours as well Tipper.
I have been reading the Blind Pig now for over two years daily. It seems I cannot do anything in the mornings until I read the blog. I just have never heard the words “salt of the earth” before and really like that saying. Ron Banks maybe you can tell me when that phrase was created. Thank you very much. I too do not know Ken or his family, but prayers for him and his love ones.
Hopefully Ron may be able to share his familiarity with the saying personally , but I’ve heard that phrase used very frequently. Mainly used to describe faithful people, who do good works, helping others, showing kindness, living honorable & also who love the Lord. Maybe it’s more commonly used in the the “south” or the area I’ve grown up in (Western NC). However, my family quoted and referenced it being from the Bible, Matthew chapter 5 verse 13.
Thank you, Tipper, for including us in your celebration of that good man, Ken Roper. I look forward to reading more about him in the coming days.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. May he rest in peace, prayers for his family & friends.
Thanks for sharing memories of Ken. Memories can touch and enrich other’s lives.
God Bless his family and friends
Growing things he didn’t care for to give away tells you right away he was not self-centered. His making you the walnut cracker is another example. The world is now a poorer place that it was a short while ago. But thankfully God’s grace keeps raising up others. There are a bunch of them on BP&A.
Dear Tipper, I am very sorry for the loss of your good friend, Ken. May God bring peace and comfort to you all and his family. I am continuing to pray for Ms. Cindy.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your family’s friend. Looking forward to more Ken stories this week. You said 2008 was the beginning for your blog. Been scratching my brain to remember how and when I found you, but it wasn’t long after 2008. You sent me a crocheted hat and several cards … I was so surprised.
Good man!!! God greeted him with “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Prayers for his family and friends. Love all the connections he had to so many. He obviously knew so many people and made an impact on them.
I hope to someday have a bigger garden space so I can grow things just to give away like Ken. Prayer of comfort to all who love him. Continued prayers for Miss Cindy and all who love and cared for her. ❤️
So sorry for the loss of your friend. he sounds wonderful. Funny how he mentioned the events ya’ll used to be at. I remember one st Yound Harris many years back. Everyone was there, Pap sanf, the girls danced, such a wonderful time.
Dear Tipper,
My daughter-in-law passed away on Sunday after being injured in an auto accident. The Blind Pig and the Acorn has taught me one thing, “hold on to your memories.” Those precious times are a building block to sustain us in our hard times and to keep friends and family alive.
We continue to have your Miss Cindy in our prayers.
God bless you.
Starr-I am so sorry! I will be praying for your family.
Starr, I am so sorry for you. I have lost 12 family members in the past 10 years. Two of them being my wife and daughter. Time spent with them and the memories I have from spending this time with them is worth more than any amount of money. This is the reason I preach spending every every second you possible can with them. We never know when the last time will be. I will be praying for you and the family.
Starr. I am so sorry for the passing of your daughter-in-law. I will be praying for you and your family.
Special people that come in our lives are the best treasures that leave wonderful memories. I’m glad you are dedicating this weeks blogs about him. He sounds like the person that comes into this world, asking for nothing and giving his
all. Thank you Tipper and sharing this special story
Sounds like a really nice person. Looking forward to hearing about him this week.
I am a “late comer” to the BP&A and only knew of Ken or read his comments for a short period of time. I enjoyed reading anything Ken wrote. Learning of Ken owning a machine shop makes me feel a connection to him, my much loved father in law was an “old school” machinist. What I mean by this is he had to manually set up and adjust the machines nothing like the computerized machines of today. I will be praying for Ken’s family and continue to pray for Miss Cindy and family. Now at 70 years old, it seems it’s an everyday thing to hear of someone I knew in someway passing away, makes me wonder when I will be next.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. Loss is hard and stirs many emotions. Prayers for all y’all! I’m so glad to have found y’all several years ago. You have challenged me to share and write more about our own heritage. I’ve always been interested in genealogy, or “puttin skin on bones” as we call it. Thank you for sharing your lives with us!
God comfort thee! Jesus is coming soon! are you ready to meet Jesus? I gave my testimony at church yesterday, I will be baptized in obedience to Jesus on the 25th and also join the church, Hallelujah
Yet another good read. You never fail to give me a lot to think about. Wish I had known about the Pig back when we lived in Blue Ridge, Ga…but as my Mother use to say, ‘wish in one hand….’ So I will just live those times and places through you and your family. Give Granny and Miss Cindy my best and know that you all are always in my Prayers. God Bless