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Leader…Mentor…Friend – A Tribute to Ken Raney -By Jean Kummer On behalf of the Holstein breeders of Pennsylvania, we wish a fond farewell to Ken Raney who served the Pennsylvania Holstein Association for more than 35 years before his retirement last fall. Ken’s dedication to the state’s Holstein industry ran through multiple generations – of cows and farm families alike! We came to appreciate him in several ways: As a leader: Ken guided the adult and junior associations from the day he signed on in 1984 as Director of Membership Services and Youth Programs, and later as Executive Secretary. He led with a quiet dignity and expected all members to be respectful of each other, of him and his staff, and to follow the rules. Under his leadership, the association flourished in cattle sales, junior membership, and the show circuit. He also churned out thousands of news releases, photos and other promotional materials to highlight the members’ successes. As a mentor: Ken served as a mentor to hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of dairy enthusiasts. He’s undoubtedly written countless reference letters for Penn State students with whom he worked for 36 Nittany Lion Fall Classic sales, for his Holstein summer interns, and for any current or former junior member who asked. Everyone could learn something from Ken in the way he conducted himself in easy and in stressful times. As a friend: Ken treated everyone as an equal – man, woman or child. He had the uncanny knack of remembering everyone’s name and making each person feel as they were the most important person in the room. Always willing to offer a smile, handshake or hug, Ken’s kindness was extended to each of us. Congratulations on your retirement, Ken, and thanks to Beth, Christopher and Michelle for sharing him with the Pennsylvania Holstein breeders for all these years!
Ken with past PHA presidents
SUMMER 2021 PA Holstein Profiles 11
