Source: NC Vegetable Growers, 1/12/11

Ken L. Fager, 48, passed away December 31, 2010. He was a researcher and educator at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at NC State University. Ken was a native of Pennsylvania and received his bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Penn State University in 1984. Ken moved to North Carolina in 1998. Ken touched the lives of so many across the state in many ways.

Working with CEFS for close to 12 years he brought a knowledge and dedication to sustainable agriculture, his work, and the farmers he served like no one else. He was a wonderful mentor and friend to students, interns, beginning farmers, and anyone interested in cover crops, organic farming, learning how to home can, learning how to operate farm equipment, vegetable gardening, or just about anything. He was always eager to teach and excelled at it. He was especially good with children, demonstrating patience and insight into how to inspire and challenge them and open their eyes to the natural world.

In his spare time, Ken enjoyed backyard organic gardening with his devoted and loving girlfriend Karen Strong. He spent time with his many friends who cared about him deeply and also enjoyed hiking, bicycling, the ocean, cooking and preserving his own food. He cared so much for the earth and lived his life in total harmony with his values, which is one of the unique and endearing features about Ken.

He will be sorely missed by many across the state and nation and Sustainable Agriculture in North Carolina has lost one of its true and long-time heroes. Ken is survived by his mother Loretta Fager, his two brothers Curt and Lou Fager of, all in Pennsylvania, and his girlfriend of 11 years, Karen Strong of Benson.
 

Memorial Service

Ken Fager's memorial will be held at the JC Raulston Arboretum from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 15.

There will be a potluck and gathering of friends and family following the memorial for those who wish to join. A map to the potluck will be distributed at the memorial. We are preparing a slide show, so if you have any photos of Ken to contribute, please send them to debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.

The arboretum is located at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh, N.C. For directions to the arboretum, please visit the JC Raulston Arboretum website.