Obituary - William K. Medlin

Dr. William Kenneth (Ken) Medlin, Moscow

Dr. William Kenneth (Ken) Medlin, beloved husband and caring father, passed on at home in Moscow, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, with family at his side.

A native of Martinez, Calif., Ken attended the University of California Berkeley - the first in his family to pursue higher education. World War II interrupted his studies and led to officer training followed by service overseas. Upon graduation from Berkeley he was determined to return to Europe and did so as a doctoral candidate at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. While attending church, a gracious Swiss woman fluent in English, caught his eye. Both lifelong Christian Scientists, the couple married in Geneva, and recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. Fluent in French, Russian and Spanish, Ken was poised to engage with the world.

An expert in Russian history, culture and language, Ken became a research analyst for the U.S. State Department and in 1958 was sent to study educational systems of the Soviet Union. From 1960 to 1987 he was a professor of education and cross-cultural studies at the University of Michigan, traveling extensively throughout Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa researching social and economic development in rural societies undergoing social change. Sabbaticals were spent at the University of Geneva, the University of Lausanne, and UNESCO in Paris, accompanied by his family of five children.

Ken's interests in the role of educational policy in community development became focused on minority populations in the U.S., particularly in Detroit, Flint, Mich., and Albuquerque, N.M. Ken retired from the U of M in 1987 and was awarded the honor of Professor Emeritus. Always a hard worker with a big heart, he stayed busy consulting and volunteering for organizations and causes that strengthen communities and attend to the disadvantaged.

After some retirement time in Rio Rancho, N.M., in 1998 Ken and his wife moved to Moscow to be closer to family. Here he enjoyed being involved with his church, the Moscow Interfaith Association, VFW, the Latah County Democrats, and other community organizations. He loved to fish, tend his vegetable garden, and travel. His favorite places included the Lassen Volcanic National Park area and the Southwest U.S. Ken lived a full life of service to others. He is loved by his dear wife of Moscow; three daughters; one son; seven grandchildren; and two soon-to-arrive great-grandchildren.

We love you, Dad, Ken. You have left our sight but remain in our hearts forever.

Memorial service arrangements are pending. Donations may be sent in William K. Medlin's name to Sojourner's Alliance, 627 N. Van Buren, Moscow, ID 83843.

Lewiston Tribune, January 5, 2012, p. 7C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock