Sunday, September 13, 2009
Kenneth Allen: Arborist, Colleague, and Friend
This site was created to honor Kenneth Allen, who passed away from sudden heart failure on August 28, 2009. We hope to add to our collective appreciation of Kenneth by reading what family, friends, and colleagues share on this site. Kenneth was a highly respected arborist, a great friend, and always--a gentleman. We will miss him.
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How does one begin to say goodbye to a special friend like Kenneth? Friendships seem to me like a pyramid. At the top, there is just enough room for a very few intimate friends, and as one travels downward towards the base, the tiers of people we know widen to include those who are just good friends or perhaps even friendship-acquaintances. Over the years, Kenneth and I became such close friends. He was one of the very few at the top of my "people-pyramid." He’d become a constant part of my life. Our relationship seemed always evolving, reinventing itself. As friends, we talked about anything and everything: poetry, long term goals, short term goals, furniture, food, events, politics, art, books, philosophy, our childhoods, and in the last years, our own experiences in the single world.
ReplyDeleteKenneth was a remarkable conversationalist. He was well read, an intent listener, an articulate speaker, and he was the first to admit if he was not knowledgeable in a topic. I always admired his modesty when he spoke about topics in which he was truly an expert. He was generous in so many ways. He jumped at the chance to split the cost with me for digital cameras to give as gifts for the children, when I visited a friend in China who runs an orphanage. He took it upon himself, even with his busy schedule, to get specs from a commercial landscape expert, so I could be certain that my new lawn was installed correctly. When I was out of town on a long trip, he coordinated with my house sitter to stop by and visit my dog, knowing she would enjoy seeing his familiar face. I smiled when I heard about his visit. I appreciated his kindnesses in these ways and more. We enjoyed many interests together. We shared movies, dancing, books, cooking, attending presentations by interesting speakers, photography, theater and many times, simply doing nothing. Sometimes the best times were simply hiking together with only the sound of the wind to break the silence. I will miss Kenneth immensely. Surely there will not be anyone quite like him ever again in my lifetime or in my "people-pyramid."
Janis you are so blessed to have had him in your life. You truly must be a special woman. He is still with you. Death can only take the body. He would never leave a friend as special as you.
ReplyDeleteI knew Kenneth only briefly. It was clear from our first meeting that he was a multifaceted person. From all I have learned since his death this fact has been proven time and again.
From the little I know first hand and from what I have learned, Janis describes him perfectly.
I have only lived in San Francisco for a little over a year. It has been a tumultuous year filled with sadness. Kenneth was the first man I had met, that I wanted in my life. I told him my deepest saddest secrets. He listened to me as though there were no other sound in the world. When I finished all he said was "your vulnerable". He was correct, but I knew with him I would be safe.
Kenneth had many lady friends. I know in my heart he cherished each one for a different reason. I don't think He was capable of having an ex friend of any kind. He was far too respectful of the human condition.
Selfishly, I envy all who had Kenneth in their lives. My greatest loss is that I didn't have more time with him. My greatest sadness that we didn't make it to Yosemite that weekend.
Our lives mingled for but a moment
Then you were off to be with your trees, the air and my diamonds of the earth named water
We will mingle once more
My heart asks, next time let it be for a while longer
I personally met Ken once. That was at my mother and his father's wedding. That was 12 years ago. Life continued, he returned to California, I with my own life raising my children. I have become aquainted with him recently while tending to the matters of his death. I have spoken with so many of his friends and colleagues. You know... I wonder if he REALLY knew how much he was admired, loved and respected. I doubt it. From what I can tell, he was pretty humble and never realized the impact he has made not just in North Carolina or California but worldwide with aquaintances reaching across the world to Hungary, Spain and even China where he helped Janis distribute the gift of cameras. I can only hope that when God desides it is my time to cross into the pearly gates, that I will have a portion of friendly thoughts being said of me. You know... it truly isn't what you take with you, but what you leave behind and it appears Ken has left quite a legacy. :) A very special thanks to those friends who helped us, Ken's family, in such a difficult time and situation, Dennis, Torey, Janis, Sherry. God Bless you all and see you again soon.
ReplyDeleteI first met Kenneth in the late 70's, when he took a job as a tree care foreman at a firm I had worked at. Remarkably to me, that means I had known Kenneth for about 30 years! We were peers and acquaintances in our profession early on, but I believe became friends over these many years, and finally sharing some personal times, and our stories of our lives, in only the last few.
ReplyDeleteMy experience of Kenneth was an un-assuming, caring, sensitive and open person. He portrayed a sense of calm that induced comfort and trust in his presence. He was composed, but clearly passionate about many things. His quest for understanding of his life and himself, and his appreciation for those and the things around him was infectious.
I was unprepared for the emotions I felt with his passing, and especially within his emptying personal space... his home. I believe that was simply about remembering with warmth our many encounters, and realizing that the sense of connection and appreciation I felt when I saw him was now reduced to memories.
I appreciated that of Kenneth which he shared with me... he was a friend and respected colleague. I will truly miss him and his presence, but I am very pleased to have known him.
Kenneth shared just by his presence.
ReplyDeleteWhen he spoke, that was icing on the cake - with no wasted words or half-baked thoughts.
Missed much.
Huge loss for our profession & world.
I did not know Kenneth too well but had the privilege of working with him on a project in Benicia several years ago. He was a gentleman and showed me respect as a young arborist. He was very generous in sharing his knowledge with palms and was very enthusiastic about arboriculture. I can say that KEnneth was instrumental in my career in arboriculture.
ReplyDeleteI'll miss his kindness and expertise.
Kerry Norman
Kenneth always seemed to have a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was a warm, kind and honest person, he enjoyed a good healthy debate, and he was quick to offer help and support. He was unique in so many ways, and I am glad to have known him.
ReplyDeleteI only met Kenneth recently, over the phone, regarding Canary Island Date Palm Wilt. His experience and knowledge of the disease was a great help in the development of protocols now used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. I was looking forward to future meetings with him to try to address this serious disease appropriately, his real world experiences being invaluable.
ReplyDeleteI will miss the opportunity to know him better. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
I had the pleasure to work with Kenneth in the last few years in some Arboriculture projects in San Francisco. It was always very refreshing and motivating to share any ideas and thoughts with him.
ReplyDeleteWe will miss him and the Palm trees also.
Juan C. Carrasco
I will miss Kenneth Allen, even though I only saw him once or twice per year. I will miss him because he was the kind of man we should all be, and there are too few like him.
ReplyDeleteHe was the serious thinker in any group, but always willing to laugh. He was the honest straight arborist who provided an informed, unbiased opinion, whether you liked his information ornot.
In brief, he was a good professional and a good man.
I prefer to remember him sitting with two other friends having a beer while we delighted in watching the birds enjoy the river in Washington.
This is a sad day.
Barrie Coate
As with many of the tree care professionals I have had passing through my life in these past 25 years - I feel very greatful and blessed that I shared sincere conversations, warm smiles and jest with Kenneth.
ReplyDeleteI was deeply saddened by the news that Kenneth has passed into the next phase of his life yet joyous in the knowing that he will continue to pop into my space to offer his opinion and advice for I have no doubt that his progress here on Earth has given him a mini vacation before moving into far greater work.
Thank you Kenneth for touching my life. Until we meet again . . . . . .
I remember Kenneth as a good boss! He was generous with his knowledge and insights regarding arboriculture, but if you made time to listen (which I didn't do enough of when I was a young upstart climbing my way through the trade in the 1980s) he had wisdom to share. He was one of a few arborists who showed me the difference between a guy with good climbing/tree skills and an arborist. From my perspective integrity and honesty were not a struggle for Kenneth, he was that way naturally. He held the bar high for those who worked with and around him and they grew from that experience.
ReplyDeleteI am greatfull that I had the chance to hear him speak about one of his great passions (palms) at San Francisco State this spring.
I met Kenneth at a historic site in Palo Alto where he was evaluating some very large Washington Robusta Palms that we've been taken care for many years. I took him up in the aerial to get a closer look at the trees and as he tapped on the trunks, he explained things that I didn't know. I saw him recently at the tree seminar at Stanford. We chatted breifly and he looked great. But just a reminder to you all, life is short. So let people that you like and respect, know what they mean to you. Don't wait till its too late.
ReplyDeleteRon Walker
I first met Kenneth at a brunch in San Francisco on February 1, 2009. We became good friends and I will always remember his big smile, positive energy and his sparkling eyes. I grew up in Barcelona, Spain and Kenneth and I enjoyed speaking Spanish together. He spoke to me very fondly of his years in Spain and I have contacted some of his friends in Spain. Kenneth...I know you are watching us from somewhere and happy to see all your friends coming together - I will miss you, my special friend.
ReplyDeleteCarmen Herlihy
Ken was really a special human being.When I first met him.he lived his life with great
ReplyDeleteintensity and enthusiasm. In 1983 he came to Valencia (Spain) to give some courses on
the pruning of ornamental trees at the Municipal School of Gardening, where I worked and still do. What a brilliant teacher he was!
He set up practical teaching here in Spain by organising courses on ornamental pruning
in Valencia and other Spanish cities.He also collaborated with investigations related to the “Drago Milenario “ in Tenerife (Canary Islands) in the village “ Icod de los Vinoa.” .In all he spent three years (1982/1985) working intensly always with great enthusiasm and interest in our country. I am still in contact with many of his pupils and they remember him with great affection.
I was lucky enough to meet part of his family in the Summer of 1983, when I went to Charlotte with Ken, his mother Lillian was a wonderful person and I was sorry to hear of her death. To his adoptive father James and his sisters Debra and Kathyrn and his aunt Marion, I wish to convey my sincerest sympathy and send all my love to them and the rest of Ken’s family.
That same Summer (1983), Ken introduced me to many of his friends and clients, he was loved and well considered by everyone. I remember one particular morning when we were at the harbour , on the Shark Terrace with Betty O’Toole, she told me that Ken was similar to a Rolls Royce amongst the tree specialists and the special smile that Ken gave to her often comes back to me.
In 1985 , although our destinies became separated not so our friendship which has lasted all these years. We have been in constant contact, sharing our lives and experiences until so recently Ours was a true, serene and sincere friendship.
The last voiced message I had from Ken was on August 17, 2009 and unfortunately I was away at that time .He said he was well and would ring me again –this wasn’t possible.
KEN , you will always be in my heart and in my prayers.
Pilar Collado Granados. Valencia
Kenneth Allen was an inspiration to me both professionally and in life lessons. I am thankful for the experiences that I shared with him while strolling through Stanford campus and various seminars that we attended throughout the past 15 years.
ReplyDeleteMy fondest memory was within the past year. Kenneth came to review some Phoenix canieriensis palms at Stanford and we sat together while he was writing notes at the end of the day. I enjoyed his enthusiam, professionalism and smiles for about 2 hours that afternoon.
He will be truly missed by so many people. Forever in my heart,
Julie Day, Stanford University
I live in the flat underneath his in San Francisco, and always counted on him as one of my neighbors who was always kind, available with a joke or witticism. He'd see me with library books and we'd stand in the lobby for a good half hour talking about what he'd read or his latest insights into what I'd read. He'll be sadly missed by our community.
ReplyDeleteMy first year here, perhaps four years ago, he was toasting the new year with a friend on the roof, looking out to Alcatraz and TransAmerica Building, laughing with some friends of mine as we enjoyed pie and barbecue. I like to remember him that way, happy and enjoying life and living it to its fullest.
Anyways, he will be sadly missed.
When I first began my arborist career, I called upon Kenneth to assist me with my palm issues. Our paths crossed quite a few times over the years and I always looked forward to learning from him.
ReplyDeleteJulie Collins Sutton
I had the privelege to know and work with Kenneth on a couple of projects and interact through our professional associations. As others have said, a true gentleman, generous with knowledge and information, a warming smile, and calm demeanor.
ReplyDeleteHe helped me in a Redwood City downtown palm project and provided invaluable details for creating specifications. I was able to recommend him for substantiating the work performance and disease detection. He approached the work like a curious child and enjoyed going up in the bucket and poking around the trees.
I too, recently spoke with him at Stanford, a month earlier, and again thanked him for his assistance. We shared a couple laughs, and of course, I had no idea that would be the last time we would talk.
I enjoyed his company, learned a lot and greatly respected him. I will miss him, but fondly remember him. Gordon
I met Kenneth during the Thanksgiving Holidays in November of 1955. He was 12 years old. Ken, his brother Ron and his mother were visiting her sister who was married to my brother. Ken’s mother and father were separated at the time. My parents and brothers were overwhelmed by Ken’s good manners. They were not accustomed to a child saying “Yes, sir” and “No, sir,” or “Yes, ma’am” and “No, ma’am.”
ReplyDeleteWhen I met Ken he was the man of the family, taking care of his mother and little brother. I think that Ken was somewhat reluctant to have me intruding into his domain. He overcame his feelings about my intrusion, and very shortly thereafter he and I became the best of friends.
He and I have never had a cross word toward one another throughout our lives. I have always respected his wishes and he had respected mine. I am very proud of his accomplishments in his endeavors. It is hard to comprehend how he has done so much during his time on earth. I love him very much and will miss the cards and phone calls on my birthday.
I first met Ken when I wed his father, Jim Wilson. How surprised and pleased Jim and I were that Ken flew out to North Carolina to share in the festivities. We were determined to join our two families in our happiness, and indeed, we finally have. How so pleasant I found it to be in Ken’s company. Ken was such a good-natured man who had utmost respect for his father. It just reaffirmed to me that I was standing in the midst of three fine men, for my son Michael was living then and had also attended the wedding. O beautiful day! And waiting for us in our hotel room when we honeymooned in St. Augustine, Florida, were roses, roses, roses from Ken.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful and kind – two more good traits. We know that no man is perfect – he had idiosyncrasies that could make you want to bite nails – and not fingernails, either! Was Ken for real? You, his friends and colleagues, could answer this better than anyone else, for you had the pleasure of tuning him in (or out) these last thirty years.
Ken’s father and mother had worked hard, saved and invested well. During Ken’s mother’s passing, a home was given to each of his two sisters. A mother is always concerned about her daughters’ welfare, and his mother especially wanted to provide a safe haven for her three grandchildren – so understandable to me, having grandchildren and a great-grandchild of my own. Well, Jim was also concerned for my wellbeing and wanted to rest assured I’d be okay, too, so he presented me two ownerships of other homes for my wedding gift. This was purchased with funds from his and Ken’s mother’s lives together – all their hard work and love of family, and as much as I adored my husband for his beautiful generosity to me, it was going to stay in family. On our wedding day, we told Ken and his brother Ron of my decision to pass the land to them. Our unity as a family, the fairness of it all, and to feel their mother smiling down from the heavens to me, was simply what led me to do this. Today our family is all close and united and no one feels left out. After all, I got Jim, from whom Ken received so many of his beautiful and precious qualities, especially his generosity, his sense of humor, his “yearning to learn,” and of course “doing his chores to the best of his ability.”
I’d like to add a few amusing words, directly from Kenneth. Jim and I passed on a small lake property to Ken, on which Jim and I had done a lot of tree pruning (Oh yea!). The day Ken came out, his joy in our gift was quite obvious – he was just elated. Then I saw Ken’s demeanor change about ten different shades of white before our eyes! This is what Mr. Allen, very slowly and very calmly, said to me: “Judy, I can see how hard you and Dad have been working on these trees. But I wonder if I could make a small request from you. Pleeeeeease…no more pruning.” Then Ken and I had a big laugh over all of this.
What a guy! A guy who loved his family, his friends, his career, and the doors to all new beginnings and experiences in his life. Fair sailing Ken – you were loved and you are surely missed.
Kenneth Allen was a particularly graceful human being: articulate, thoughtful, and amusing. We met at one of his friend Joel's single person's lunches, perhaps 5 years ago, and for whatever reason, found each other more entertaining than any members present of the opposite sex. When we met again, some months later, at another of
ReplyDeleteJoel's occasions, he was asked who of interest he had met lately. "I met Felix!!", he said. We commiserated how sad it was that one of us were not female, or that we were not gay. Perhaps a year ago we met at the Marsh to see Dan Hoyle's amazing one-person show, Tings Dey Happen. The world is a (somewhat) better place because people like Kenneth were in it. Felix Braendel
Conocimos a Ken en Valencia a principios de los 80, y lamento muchísimo no haberle hecho saber mientras vivía, que su paso por esta ciudad dejó un camino abierto en el mundo profesional, que para muchas personas fué, es, y será muy importante. En cualquier caso, me alegro de haber tenido aquella gran oportunidad de tratar con un caballero de los árboles. Siempre estará en mi memoria.
ReplyDeleteIt's been over a month now since I learned that Ken is no longer here. Still having a difficult time going to this blog, facing and accepting this reality - knowing that he won't be there when I want to call him, and of course the phone calls to catch up, and the dinner telephone "dates" - always pizza with lots of anchovies - won't happen again. And the occasional trips and visits, the last one when he was in Tucson, not too long ago, for an arboricultural association meeting. Like you, I'll miss him terribly.
ReplyDeleteWe both grew up in the South (although, as someone else wrote, you wouldn't know it to hear him talk!), and we went to the same high school, but I didn't meet Ken until a few weeks before he left for Viet Nam. It was an intense few weeks. After he returned, our relationship hit high points and lows. We eventually drifted apart, but somehow, we stayed in touch through the years. Sometimes years would pass, but then one of us would find the other -- sort of like coming home again.
I tried to find some photos of Kenneth to include. I have a great one, somewhere, of a saguaro growing out of his head. Technically, a really bad photo of course, but it made sense. The photo I wish I had now is a photo of Kenneth's hand as it touched the surface of a tree. I can see it in my mind. I always loved seeing how he reached out so gently, yet firmly to make physical contact with some of the trees along the path we were walking or the trees that somehow got his attention. He couldn't help it.
I've enjoyed reading about Kenneth from your perspectives. I am so thankful that this blog was set up - even though it was sometimes hard to go to, it was also a comfort to know that you weren't going to let Kenneth just disappear. I thank you all for that. I'm sorry that I won't be able to attend the memorial service on the 24th. Please know I will be with you in spirit as you remember and honor with your thoughts and feelings this very unique person who left us way too early.
I, too, can't believe Ken died so young. I was his wife, and he was the first love of my life,( though Carol, you were the first love of HIS life; he talked about you often.) He was Ken Wilson in those days. We were together off and on for about 12 years, but kept in touch after we divorced. I keep thinking of the James Taylor song, "I always thought that I'd see you again. He was a complex person. I am sorry I can't be at the memorial, but live too far away.
ReplyDeleteA mass will be said in Kenneth's honor at St. Mary Magdelan Church in Berkeley - 2005 Berryman St. Berkeley, CA 94709, on Tuesday, October 27th at 5:30pm. All are welcome.
ReplyDeleteAlas, i did not know about these memorials and cannot make it to Berkeley tomorrow. I knew Ken for 30 years and was devastated to learn that a few days after I returned from the UK that he had died the day I returned.
ReplyDeleteI saw Ken for the first time high in a tree on the O'Hanlon property. I walk Cascade Drive every morning a few blocks away and feel his spirit in the trees. My knowing him was one of the blessings of my life.
Betty Alexandra Toole
Another comment now that I have read the comments above. They all encapsulate the varied and complex and wonderful person Kenneth Allen was. Yes, Pilar he was a "rolls royce" of a human being.
ReplyDeletePilar I am going to Spain in late June and would love to see you again. Please email me at adatoole@comcast.net
I met Kenneth in San Francisco at Rose Pistola about 5 years ago when I was traveling with a friend. We were both sitting at the bar waiting for a table. My friends were very late arriving so he asked me to join him for dinner. I had such a great conversation with him that I kept his card and have thought of him often as one of those people that hold a special light. It is here today in December sitting in my office that I stumbled upon his card and thought I would Google him to see what he has been up to only to find out of his passing. How funny to feel a loss after only spending a few hours with this person. All of you that knew him well had a magical gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving this up.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a year since Kenneth's passing. I still think of him almost every day. What a marvelous human being he was. I had only known him for such a short time, yet the impact his pressence had in my life continues. I am so glad this site is still up.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
From Icod de Los Vinos, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
ReplyDeleteOn checking information for the Icod de Los Vinos Dragon Tree, I have just found this bog and realized, sadly too late, and with great sadness in my heart, the death of the great arborist Kenneth Allen, on August 2009.
We had the great honor to meet him in Icod de Los Vinos , on around 1983, nearly 30 year ago.
He came to Icod, appointed by the Town Council, whose Mayor was on those days Carmelo Quintero of which government I was a Counselor, to check the condition of the Millenary Dragon , symbol and proud of the town, and to give solutions for the problems the plant suffered bay that time.
He performed a wonderful job, which undoubtedly has contributed to the welfare of our Drago, and gave decisive solutions for the health the plant enjoys nowadays. Nevertheless some of his ideas and solutions have been not still applied.
I take myself the freedom of expressing to his wife, family and friends the gratitude of the town of Icod de Los Vinos for his help and great work, and for the wonderful remember of a real gentlemen and good people he left among us.
From and on behalf of Icod de Los Vinos, our best regards to Keneth Allen.
José Ramón León.