Kenneth Richard Gaved

Kenneth Richard Gaved, 73, of Pocatello passed away peacefully January 10 th , 2026. Ken was born on August 22, 1953, at the old Saint Anthony Hospital in Pocatello to Donald and Eileen Gaved. Ken attended school at St. Anthony Catholic School, Franklin Jr. High and graduated from Pocatello High school in 1971. During his early years in Pocatello, Ken enjoyed skiing at Skyline (Pebble Creek) and Sun Valley, swimming at the Raquet Club and bowling at the Pine Bowl.

After high school Ken moved to Olympia, Washington to work at his brother Jim’s manufacturing business building portable semi-trailer mounted generator systems. While in the big city he realized he wanted to work in the hospitality industry. In 1980, he went to work as a waiter at Migels Restaurant and later at the Falls Terrace Restaurant. Ken was quickly promoted to lead waiter, and according to the owners, he was admired and well-regarded by both his coworkers and the many guests he served.

In 1996 after the rainy days became too much, Ken moved to sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. He quickly got a job at the Grand Hyatt Resort at Gainey Ranch. It was his dream job being in the sunny weather, lead waiter, and the only wine steward. While in Arizona, Ken loved going to concerts, enjoying fine dining, shopping, and traveling.

After many years in Scottsdale, Ken moved back home in 2006 to take care of his ailing mother and began working at Chilis Restaurant in Pocatello. While working at Chilis he served multiple Costco corporate representatives during the construction phase. They repeatedly encouraged him to apply to Costco, noticing he would be a great fit for the new Pocatello store. He applied and became one of the first Pocatello Costco employees. Ken worked in various positions throughout the store, but his favorite position was being the door greeter. Ken had a witty sense of humor, never met a stranger, and would recognize repeat shoppers. Several customers began referring to Ken by the nickname “Costco Ken.” After 15 years at Costco, Ken retired so he could travel.

Ken’s favorite way to travel was on Amtrak, he would get a sleeper room and watch the world go by from his window or the observation car with a glass of wine. Each July he would go to Seattle to watch “The Blue Angles” perform at the Boeing Air Show. Each Fall, Ken and his sister Donna travelled to Sun Valley to enjoy the Johnny Weir ice skating performances.

Ken is survived by his sister, Donna Akers (Sherman), his brothers, Walt (Tina) and Cody Gaved of Pocatello, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his infant big sister Annette Gaved, his parents Margaret Eileen and Donald James Gaved and brother Jim Gaved.

The family would like to thank his personal care team Kelly, Annika, and Angela and also the nursing staff at One Source Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care in keeping Ken comfortable during his final days.

Per Ken’s wishes no funeral services will be held. His ashes will be spread in the Gallatin River on the bridge at the 320 Ranch in Big Sky Montana where he loved to watch the river go by with a glass of wine.

In lieu of flowers, Ken would’ve preferred donations made in his memory to the Holy Spirit Catholic School. 

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