Ken Francis, In Memoriam

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.

Career Highlights