Kenneth Michael Couchon, Died peacefully at his home in Athol, on March 24th. He was 70 years old. Born in Northampton, to Barbara (Lamothe) Fennessey and Donald Couchon, Ken lived with his family in Easthampton nearly 10 years until he came to live at the Belchertown State School in July, 1959. He remained there until the Ricci v. Okin class action lawsuit which started the process of closing the facility and residents began to transition to community housing.
Ken moved to a community home in Amherst in 1988 and lived there 9 years until he moved to his community home in Athol in 1997. Ken was a very active and social individual. He attended Valley Educational Associates, BAROCO and Life Skills day programs from 1988 through to his retirement in 2019.
Ken enjoyed many activities. He went kayaking in the DAR state park, snowmobiling, cycling along the Northampton/Hadley bike trails, snow shoeing, and various other outdoor activities with the assistance from All Out Adventures and his house staff. He loved to go bowling, as well as listen to music, play the harmonica, keyboards and guitar. He was a big fan of wrestling and got to meet one of his favorite celebs, Tony Atlas. Ken enjoyed gardening at his group home and loved animals. He often helped with baking dog biscuits for the local animal shelter and visited there frequently.
He leaves behind his siblings, brothers James Couchon of Springfield, MA, John Couchon, of Englewood FL and sister Carol Conz, of Williamsburg, MA, nephew Aaron Newton of Easthampton, many aunts and uncles, and 32 cousins. He also leaves his three housemates and house staff, some who have been his steadfast companions for nearly 19 years. His bright light, positive attitude and sense of humor is missed by all who met him.
There will be a private burial service. A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for friends and family.
Williamsburg Funeral Home was entrusted with his service. www.HampshireCremation.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ken’s name to the North Quabbin Animal Control, 280 Exchange St. Athol MA 01331