In Loving Memory of Kenneth “Ken” Anthony Zechman

At Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast | Weddings and Events, we would like to take a moment to remember a remarkable individual whose skilled hands and loving heart played an integral role in shaping our beloved establishment. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Kenneth Anthony Zechman, a master craftsman, devoted family man, and cherished member of our extended family.

In 1998, as our vision of creating an exceptional Lancaster, PA bed and breakfast took root, Ken embarked on a transformative journey. His dedication and craftsmanship were at the core of this project. With an unwavering commitment to his craft, he seamlessly blended modern comforts with the barn’s original architectural charm. Thanks to Ken’s incredible work, in 2002, Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast warmly opened its doors to guests, earning recognition from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and receiving the prestigious Award of Excellence from The Keystone Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., in acknowledgment of its exquisite interior finishes. Today, this cherished property remains partially a working farm, boasting 26 fertile acres of rotating crops.

Ken Zechman was the creative force behind most of the renovations in our house and B&B. He was not just a master carpenter but a true craftsman with the ability to build or fix almost anything. His journey with us began in the evenings and weekends as he worked tirelessly while holding a full-time job. He was instrumental in exposing beams, crafting door frames to accommodate repurposed chestnut doors, and coordinating various experts through the building process. Around 2015, Ken rejoined our team, building a workroom in the empty chicken house and dedicating his days to our property’s maintenance and improvement.

Ken’s dedication to our farm and his love for his work were unparalleled. He built our pantry and added closets to a house that was originally constructed in 1842 without them. He diligently mowed the front meadows every week and even took care of the barn cats daily, constructing special homes for them. His influence and craftsmanship are evident in every corner of our property.

We are deeply saddened by his loss, but we are also faced with a void that only he could fill. Ken was not just a master craftsman; he was a friend and a beloved member of our extended family. We feel his absence keenly as we look around our property and see the legacy of his hard work.

Kenneth Anthony Zechman, 78, passed away on October 31, 2023, at his Millersville home with his family by his side. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, sharing 43 years of marriage with his wife Mary Lee (Patterson) Zechman. Ken was born in Lebanon, the son of Irvin and Helen Zechman. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was an accomplished carpenter, owning Walnut Hill Construction. His woodworking skills were evident in many places, including Pheasant Run Farm Bed and Breakfast, one of his crowning projects.

Ken was not just a craftsman; he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and spelunking. He was an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 88 and a member of Order of Arrow. Ken was also a dedicated member of the Millersville Fire Company and Clymer Township Fire Company in Tioga County.

But what truly defined Ken was his selflessness and his love for people. Everyone else always came first because he cared deeply for their well-being. Most importantly, Ken cherished his time spent with his family.

Ken’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Grace Community Church, Willow Street, PA. A celebration of his life will follow, with Military Honors to be accorded at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests considering a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.

As we bid farewell to Ken, we carry forward his legacy of dedication, craftsmanship, and unwavering kindness. His memory will forever be woven into the fabric of Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast, and we are immensely grateful for the privilege of having known and worked with this exceptional man.

We invite you to join us in honoring Ken’s memory and the significant role he played in shaping our warm and welcoming establishment.