Ken Fairweather, a former longtime resident and local State Farm agent for 20 years, passed away November 2, just six days short of his 92nd birthday. A native of Chicago, Ken was one of the first to be drafted in World War II. He served as an enlisted man for several months and then was recommended for Officers Training School. After graduating from OCSA, he trained troops at several bases in the United States, and then was sent to the Pacific (Okinawa specifically). Later, he was sent to the Philippines to prepare for an invasion of Japan that mercifully never had to take place. He then became involved in the postwar occupation of Japan, stationed on the northern island of Hokkaido. After returning home, Ken moved to California where he had earlier met Jeanne Nabors while stationed there. They married in 1947 and lived in Santa Monica where their daughter, Cathy, was born. Ken joined the Army Reserves, but after a time decided it took him away from his family too much, so he stopped attending meetings. Trouble was, he forgot to resign his commission! So, during the Korean War, he was very much surprised to be again called to serve. The Fairweathers were sent to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where their son Robert was born. Ken spent about a year there training troops, then was assigned to a small island called Amami O’Shima (between Okinawa and Japan), where he was involved in the civil administration of the island, a duty that turned out to be quite interesting. Before Ken went over overseas, he and Jeanne purchased a home in Pacific Palisades, where Jeanne and the children lived while he was gone. They lived in this home (making many changes and additions) for 55 years. Ken had a State Farm office on Swarthmore for many of those years. He also was active in the Optimist Club and Boy Scout Troop 400 (when his son was a member), a coach in the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association, and a member of the Palisades High Booster Club. He helped Jeanne with Children’s Home Society projects or in various ways at the Methodist Church and the Rancho Women’s Golf Club. Neighbors also appreciated the garden he maintained on De Pauw, across the street from their home. Ken loved playing tennis for many years, later switching to golf as a result of knee problems. Together, the Fairweathers enjoyed friends, golf and bridge. They loved to travel and spent time at their Lawrence Welk timeshare in San Diego County, which they also traded for other timeshares in the U.S. and other countries. Almost always, they invited friends to go along. After retirement, Ken joined the Civil Air Patrol. He jokingly said he really joined for selfish reasons (he could play most military golf courses around the country), but he was primarily involved in the Cadet program and saw many young lives improved because of the training and discipline they received there. In June of this year, Ken and Jeanne moved to a cottage at the Covington, a retirement community in Aliso Viejo. During the move they were so busy that their 60th anniversary (June 21) almost passed unnoticed. No matter: their 25th, 40th and 50th anniversaries were well celebrated. Friends who observed Ken’s energy during the move can hardly believe he’s gone in such a short time. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September and was told that it had already metastasized. Other than his stay in the hospital, he was in the Nursing Care Center at the Covington, where he was well cared for by nursing staff. While there he had visits from many longtime and many new friends. At one time, all family members were there together and able to express their caring for him and their gratitude for the support he had given them throughout their lives. He is survived by his wife Jeanne; his daughter, Cathy Campbell of Ringeos, New Jersey; his son, Robert (wife Mary) of Lakeport, California; and two grandsons, Jeffrey Campbell and Christopher Campbell. For several years Ken had expressed a desire to be buried in the Punch Bowl (the military cemetery overlooking Honolulu, on Oahu). On November 13, he was honored with a military service with Jeanne, Cathy, Robert and Mary in attendance. It was a beautiful service with family members participating. Afterward, his ashes were interred there. Jeanne is looking forward to friends visiting her at the Covington and to sharing memories of Ken. Those who wish may donate to an organization of their choice that benefits children or young persons in their formative years.
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