Kenneth S. Lowe

Inducted 2002

reporter, The Mining Journal and editor, Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine

Of all the accolades bestowed upon Kenneth Lowe by his colleagues and friends, the most common refrain is an admiration of his courage and integrity.

A former editor of The Mining Journal in Marquette, Lowe took an important and career-changing stance in 1972 when he refused to run a publisher’s editorial supporting the South African government. His refusal to run the article cost him his job, but Lowe felt he was simply doing his duty as both a journalist and a citizen.

Lowe served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, using the G. I. Bill to earn a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1948. He joined the staff of The Mining Journal that year as wire telegraph editor and then became editor seven years later. While at The Mining Journal he began his life-long efforts to promote conservation in Michigan. He began a weekly outdoor page at the Journal in 1951 and edited Northern Michigan Sportsman from 1951-1955.

Following his departure from The Mining Journal, Lowe went on to work in the private sector and public relations for about three years. In 1975, he pursued his interest in conservation by becoming editor of Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine, published by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he served as editor for 21 years.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Lowe’s supporters have praised him for his impact on Michigan’s environment. He was a champion for the Michigan bottle bill, scientific game management and Great Lakes water quality. In 1997, he was inducted into the Michigan Conservation Hall of Fame.

Kevin Frailey, director of information and education for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, wrote of Lowe, “He never backed away from issues no matter how controversial and felt that objectivity was crucial.” Lowe passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy in journalism that colleagues seek to emulate.