Sonya Fox Sultan Ken Genser 2010
I loved Ken because of his intelligence, his hard work, his warmth, his compassion, his caring, and his sense of humor in the face of health struggles that would have left most people bitter or self involved.
Last year when I needed a care facility for my elderly mother, Ken recommended the home where his mother resides. Once I moved my mother there, I enjoying seeing Ken almost every time I visited. I would see him walking slowly up the path aided by his cane, or sitting next to his mom in the dining area, encouraging her to eat and offering hugs and emotional support despite the fact that, as he explained, she knew he was someone important in her life but not precisely who he was. Ken spent time with his mom almost every day, regardless of his ailments, his busy schedule and his multiple responsibilities. In this as in many respects, Ken was a role model for others-a complete human being-a true mensch.
Ken helped to create and sustain the Santa Monica I love and for this I am grateful. Even in the few instances when I didn't agree with Ken, I admired and respected him. As my son said when he heard the sad news, Ken will be missed but definitely not forgotten. I will personally miss Ken for a long, long time.