April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 1, 2019, at
the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-pice House in Sault Ste
Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed fly fishing. He
taught classes on tying flies and had been a salmon
fishing guide. He was an avid chess player and loved to
teach kids the game. He also ran several tournaments
for both high schoolers and grandmasters. One of his
biggest joys was falconry. He raised birds from baby
chicks and was the fi rst person in Michigan to get a
permit to obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the snowy
owls, his favorite birds were the Harris’s hawks and Red-
tailed hawks.
Kenn helped so many people and was so full of
compassion and grace. He was always there for anyone
that needed help, from lending a helping hand to
lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry.
Some of his other books include: Comfort Those Who
Mourn: How to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A
Comforting Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of
the Great Lakes, Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings
One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
“Dracma Award” for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA’s Hawk
Chalk three times a year. He has written hundreds of
magazine articles on hunting, fishing, falconry and a
wide variety of Christian topics. He has won writing and
photography awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a
high-tech, action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
DONORS:
Micaiah and Andrew Filkins, Scott McNeff, John and Vicki Swift,
Bob Collins, North American Falconers Association
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
Kenn helped so many people and was so full of compassion
and grace. He was always there for anyone that needed help,
from lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
KENN AND HIS 2011 HARRIS’S HAWK, “BATAARI,” AND HIS TRIBRED JACK
RUSSELL MIX CONSIDER A POSSIBLE PARTNERSHIP OF CATCHING JACKRABBITS,
SQUIRRELS AND DUCKS TOGETHER.
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
SOME OF THE MANY
PUBLICATIONS KENN
AUTHORED AND/OR EDITED.
April 2019 ~ North American Falconers Association North American Falconers Association ~ April 2019
HawkChalk
HawkChalk
56 57
K
enn Filkins, age 61, of Sault Ste.
Marie, Michigan passed away
Tuesday afternoon, January 1,
2019, at the Hospice of the EUP – Hos-
pice House in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
Kenn had many hobbies. He enjoyed
y shing. He taught classes on tying
ies and had been a salmon- shing
guide. He was an avid chess player and
loved to teach kids the game. He also
ran several tournaments for both high
schoolers and grand-masters. One of
his biggest joys was falconry. He raised
birds from baby chicks and was the rst
person in Michigan to get a permit to
obtain a snowy owl. In addition to the
snowy owls,
his favorite
birds were the
Harris's hawks
and Red-tailed
hawks.
Kenn helped so
many people
and was so full
of compassion
and grace.
Kenn Filkins
Author, Hawk Chalk Editor,
Fisherman, Preacher
Passes away January 1st, 2019
Kenn and his 2011 Harris's hawk, "Bataari," as his tri-
bred Jack Russell mix consider a possible partnership of
catching jackrabbits, squirrels, and ducks together.
He was always there for anyone that needed help, from
lending a helping hand to lending an ear.
Kenn Filkins, had written 10 books, and edited (and
wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, A Bond
with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Some of
his other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How
to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting
Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes,
Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.
Kenn was a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in
Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. He served 11 years at the
Donaldson Church in the Sault. On April 11, 2011, New
Beginning Church began in the Sault on Saturday Nights
- Kenn is the pastor. Filkins graduated with honors from
Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the
"Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.
For over 13 years, Kenn was the editor of the daily
newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan. He was a past editor of NAFA's Hawk Chalk
three times a year. He has written hundreds of magazine
articles on hunting, shing, falconry and a wide variety
of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography
awards. Kenn and his wife, Marti, owned a high-tech,
action photography business.
Kenn has two sons, Micaiah Filkins, of San Francisco,
CA, Andrew (and Holly) Filkins of Mancelona, MI, one
grandson, Jack Filkins.
Rest in peace Kenn, and thank you for your life-long
dedication to our sport. We will miss you.
Some of the many publications Kenn authored
and/or edited.
Thank you Kenn
There are very few people in the world that you
can count on to carry the load, Kenneth Filkins
was just such a man.
Kenn was the kind of individual who consistently
and unreservedly provided support and leadership
for his community in Michigan. When his love for
the outdoors and raptors led him to a life of falconry,
it was no surprise that he gave freely of his time and
talents to the community of falconers who embraced
him and got to know him.
While serving the North American Falconers
Association (NAFA) for almost 35 years Kenn wore
many hats. He served as NAFA’s Membership
Secretary from 1984 to 1990 and was the Chairman
of the 1989 NAFA Field Meet in Kearney Nebraska. In
1993 Kenn lead a NAFA commiee and acted as Editor
producing “A Bond with the Wild: A Celebration of
American Falconry”, NAFA’s first book to celebrate
our unique falconry heritage. As NAFA editor, Kenn
also produced 15 Hawk Chalk publications starting
with the December 2009 issue through the August
2014 issue, culminating with the 2014 NAFA Journal.
Kenn was one of those individuals you could
always count on when you needed an additional
pair of hands to do some heavy lifting, literally and
figuratively. He will be sorely missed by his family of
falconers. Thanks for all you did for falconry Kenn.
-SHELDON NICOLLE, PRESIDENT NAFA