Ken Francis, In Memoriam
Ken,
It was an honor working with you. You will be dearly missed.
Ken Francis was born on September 2, 1945 in Los Angeles, Calif., to Gordon and Merna Francis, who preceded him in death. Ken and his wife, Carol of 25 years, moved to Auburn in 1991 to raise their daughters, Christina and Sarah.
Ken graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Architecture. After graduation, he served as an officer in the Army Corp of Engineers in Vietnam. After serving, he returned to Los Angeles and worked as an Architect. During that time he had the opportunity to move and work in Greece as an architect for six months. Shortly after returning from Greece , Ken still had a thirst to travel so he returned to Europe and purchased a VW Van and traveled all over Europe for another six months. Once again, Ken returned to Los Angeles to continue his career in Architecture and eventually had his own practice in Santa Monica, Calif. Before Ken passed he was employed as a Project Manager for Stafford King Wiese Architects in Sacramento, Calif.
Ken was a member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) all his career. He served as a volunteer on many committees, starting with The Santa Monica Historical Society. Ken also worked with a group of Architects that developed ideas and formats for teaching Architecture to children in Los Angeles. He and his peers were invited to Russia for an exchange of their ideas. Ken served on the Field Act Advisory Board for Architects for the State of California. Locally he served on a committee to help create guidelines for the Historical Preservation of Auburn.
Ken had a passion for the arts, but his real passion was his involvement with raising his daughters, especially in their academics and watching them play volleyball, (one of his favorite sports).
Ken was a kind and wonderful man and will be missed by many. Ken is survived by his loving wife Carol Francis, daughters; Christina and Sarah Francis, sisters; Linda Leuty and Gayle Francis, and cousin; David Francis.
Comments
I am very grateful for knowing such an amazing person like Ken Francis. I loved his calm demeanor and always enjoyed our brief chats in the kitchen while filling up our coffee or water cups throughout the day. He always seemed like he was working at top speed, he walked across the office like he had things to get done, but always had time to say hello. He will be dearly missed.
Ken was such an energetic and kind person. He was always smiling, even when he was visiting us in accounting! He cared so much about his clients and projects. He will be missed by all!
Ken will be sorely missed out in the field by his friends both in the Contracting and the Client world as well as in-house, with his knowledge, expertise, patience and his personality. God Bless, and you are still here in spirit!
Ken always conducted himself as a gentleman. A true role model. His absence in the office and in our lives will be deeply felt.