Kenneth Lloyd Kolb, professionally recognized as Ken Kolb, emerged into the world as the sole offspring of Fred and Ella Kolb. His early life was marked by the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, during which he attended Gresham High School in Oregon, a prestigious educational institution that provided him with a solid foundation in academic pursuits. Upon completing his secondary education in 1945, Kolb made the bold decision to enlist in the Navy, driven by a passion for technology and a desire to hone his skills as a radar technician, a career path that would undoubtedly bring him a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
After completing his naval service, Kolb seized the opportunity presented by the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education at the University of California in the autumn of 1947. During his time at the esteemed institution, he had the good fortune to cross paths with Emma Sanford, a dedicated nursing student and esteemed member of the Theta Chi fraternity, with whom he would embark on a romantic six-year courtship that would ultimately blossom into a 64-year marriage of unwavering devotion and commitment.
In the year 1952, Kolb and Emma embarked on a new chapter in their lives by exchanging vows in matrimony, and subsequently, the newlywed couple dedicated the subsequent two summers to a collaborative endeavor, serving as a dynamic duo at the esteemed Smith Peak Fire Lookout in the picturesque Plumas County, California. This pivotal period in their lives served as the genesis of Kolb's illustrious career in screenwriting, as he was subsequently recruited by the renowned Columbia Pictures to craft the screenplay for the cinematic masterpiece "The Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad", a project that would ultimately come to fruition in the year 1958.
Kolb's extensive work in the television industry afforded him a reliable and consistent source of income, thereby empowering him to diligently pursue his long-held aspiration of becoming a published novelist. In 1967, his inaugural novel, "Getting Straight", made its debut, marking the beginning of a successful literary career. This was swiftly followed by the publication of his second novel, "The Couch Trip", in 1970, which, in turn, was adapted into a film. The prolific author's creative output continued to accelerate, as evidenced by the release of his third novel, "Night Crossing", in 1974.
Throughout the entirety of his existence, Kolb was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving and supportive family unit, consisting of his devoted wife, Emma, and their three cherished offspring, Kevin, Lauren, and Kimrie. This family of five resided in a stunning and picturesque abode situated on the serene banks of Long Valley Creek, within the charming town of Cromberg, nestled in the heart of Plumas County. It was within this idyllic setting that they had the privilege of raising their children, allowing them to flourish and grow in a peaceful and tranquil environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
As Kolb's life journey progressed, he and his wife Emma embarked on a multitude of extensive travels, venturing to the vast and storied landscapes of Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Fiji, among other destinations, allowing them to broaden their horizons and create lifelong memories.
As their children matured and began to forge their own paths, Kolb and Emma continued to indulge in their love of travel, often accompanied by close friends, as they explored the wonders of South America, the vast and diverse continent of Australia, the ancient and mystical realms of China, the storied and majestic landscapes of Russia, and the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
The obituary of Kolb, published in the Plumas News, masterfully conveyed his profound appreciation for the multifaceted tapestry of life, intricately woven from the threads of cherished relationships, idyllic surroundings, and profound experiences. He was eulogized as a man who harbored deep gratitude for his loving wife and kindred spirit, his three radiant children, and the serene countryside that had served as a tranquil backdrop to his life. Furthermore, he was thankful for the enriching friendships that had fostered his intellectual growth and spiritual development, and felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for the life he had lived, replete with its triumphs, tribulations, and cherished memories.
