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Show Retired Hatchery Operator 'Kentucky Colonel9 Howard Prince has been officially commissioned a "Kentucky Colonel" by Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown. In famous company like John Glenn, Red Skelton, Lyndon Johnson, Winston Churchill and others Prince was made an official Kentucky Colonel in the organization which has its roots back in the war of 1812. Prince's commission in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels came on December 12, 1982 and Prince just received his official plaque and certificate signed by the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, He was recommended for the honor to the Kentucky governor by long-time friend, Dr. Kenneth DeSimone, chief surgfm at Mary Jane Todd Hospital in Green-sburg, Ky. Prince and DeSimone became friends some 20 years ago when the physician, passing through Southern Utah on hi way back from a Phoenix convention, stopped to tout the Panguitch State Fish hatchery south of Hatch where Prince was in charge. Prince remembers that DeSimone was impressed with the countryside and charmed by the tame deer that came to the hatchery. DeSimone afterward returned numerous times over the years to hunt and fish with Prince and hb wife, Margie. They visited DeSimone in Kentucky where they attended the Kentucky Derby and were treated to enjoyable vacations. About 12 years ago DeSimone gifted Prince with a pedigreed flve-gaited American saddle horse named "Howard's Kentucky Prince." Just last year DeSimone sent "Howard's Kentucky Princess," a registered Tennessee Walking horse colt to join the first valuable animal. DeSimose' most recent visit during last October's deer hunt meant an opportunity for the old friends to ride together again over the colorful and rugged terrain that both had come to love. DeSimone brought two Kentucky friends, Wallace Thompson, an LDS Church bishop, and Eddie Baker, along 6 the trip and the three men trailered their horses the long distance to give the animals a new experience on terrain vastly different from the closely wooded terrain they were accustomed to. DeSione's son, Deke, now grown and serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, spent a memorable summer of his youth with the Prince family at the hatchery. Recipients, like Prince, of the commission of Kentucky Colonel are recommended for "a blend of friendship, good fellowship, good will and good fun to which Is added service and ac complishment in some worthy line of endeavor." Those honored must have made some outstanding contribution to their community, state or nation and the list of honorees resembles a virtual Who's Who of famous people. Kentucky's first governor, Isaac Shelby, gave his son-in-law Charles S. Todd the title of colonel on his staff. Shelby later Issued commissions to all who enlisted in his regiment in the War of 1812. Later governors commissioned colonels to act as their protective guards. They wore uniforms and vere present at most official functions. The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels was founded in 1932 by Governor Ruby Laf-foon and has since been incorporated as a charitable organization. Prince's box seat at the Kentucky Derby is waiting for him this coming May, Howard Prince, Panguitch, displays plaques awarded him as official "Kentuchy Colonel". 1 Hie special honor men was awarded to Prince by Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown. i |