On March 28, 2016; Kenneth Matzner went to be with the Lord.  He valiantly fought cancer since 2000, and was unable to hold out any longer.  A celebration of his life will be held in Fort Collins at CSU’s ARDEC Cobank Facility (4492 ECR 56) north of Fort Collins at 2 PM April 10, 2016.

Ken was born in Brush, CO and was raised in Fort Morgan.   Upon graduation from Fort Morgan High School, he attended Colorado State University, and UNC , receiving his degree in education.  He was in the armed forces during the Korean Conflict, and returned to Fort Collins, CO and the Poudre Canyon which he dearly loved. He owned and operated Glen Echo Resort from 1958 until 1975, when he and Sam Shoultz, longtime best friend, created a partnership to run Glen Echo Resort together, which they did until 2001, when they sold because of Ken’s cancer.

Many words describe Ken:  honest, generous, genteel, genuine, a friend, nonjudgmental, a hard worker that never quit, and a true friend that wore the white hat well.  Ken had a special gift to connect with people.  Many people were proud to call him a friend.

Ken’s life was focused on the outdoors, fishing and hunting from Africa to Alaska, he was never happier than when following these passions.  He freely shared his harvest and loved to cook for friends.  He was a great cook, and called cooking `an art’.

Ken and Sam have a ranch in Wyoming, raised registered Quarter Horses in Ault, CO, and have a wholesale business as well.  He was very proud of all of these endeavors, and was a tireless worker.

KESA Quarter Horses (Ken and Sam) had a special relationship with the CSU Equine Science and Equine Reproduction Lab.  This partnership provided great support and opportunities for CSU interns.

Ken was preceded in death by parents Edwin A and Tillie C Matzner.  He leaves behind a host of family and friends.  He is survived by cousins Ralph (Jackie) Matzner and families, Janet Matzner, Jim Matzner and family, Julie Hoffman (Chad) and families, Linda Wilken (Dave) and families, and best friend and business partner of 41 years, Sam Shoultz.