Ken you are Part of the Seas

You are now part of the big and beautiful ocean,
the waves and the tides, true life in motion.
Our souls are in the ever-changing seas,
You are part of the mist that blows in the breeze.
You are in the calm, You are part of the storm,
You are in the sun-rays, so golden and warm.
We are all around you, You are still here,
When you feel alone, please know we are near.
Love is eternal, a light that's not gone.
In the stillness we'll hear you, We'll whisper your song.
When we feel the pain of loss, because our hearts grieve,
please know you are not lost,
 We are all part of the seas.

Christopher Gounarides

This is last meeting of the South Bay Model Shipwrights with Ken Lum, on May 10th, 2025. This is also the last photo of Ken. I sent this and a couple other photos to Ken after the meeting. We had decided we missed our group dinners and to have another one at Chef Chu's (where else?) after our June meeting. It was only two days later that we learned of his passing.

The South Bay Model Shipwrights' annual holiday dinner in 2023 at Chef Chu's our favorite group hangout. 

When we held our club meetings at the Los Altos library in past years, a group of us always met for dinner here first. Ken was always the organizer for these dinners, making the reservations for us, and did most of the work, collecting money and paying the check.

This is Ken's model of the Mississippi river boat Robert E. Lee on display at the Good Sam Showcase of Miniatures in 2022, I think it was.

This was Ken manning the South Bay Model Shipwrights club table at the San Mateo County Fair in June of 2017.

I’ve known Ken through the South Bay Model Shipwrights club since the day I joined the group back around 2010. Ken was the backbone of the group. He was vice-president for as long as I can remember. As editor of our club newsletter, the Foghorn, Ken always managed to fill its pages with interesting information on ship modeling, current maritime events, and historical information, plus reminding us regularly of club activities. He rarely missed a meeting, and participated in every club event, always carrying books, kits, and display materials in his signature red wagon.

He only ever built one ship model that I’m aware of, but his knowledge on the subject, and just about every subject, was amazing. It seemed that no matter what the subject, Ken could jump right in and bring new information into the discussion. He always amazed me that way, and I always enjoyed talking with him, and exchanging emails.

I didn’t really know Ken very well outside of the club meetings and events, but the club will seem very empty without him. I will miss Ken very much, and already find myself wishing I could just sit down and simply drop him an email about this or that.

1996 Herschel  Telescope, Bath, UK    
His passion.

This picture of the Dumbbell Nebula was taken using the AP900 Mount and AP 5" Refractor Ken was kind enough to sell to me a few years ago. I would always send him the pictures I took with his excellent equipment and he would always provide encouraging feedback.

This picture of the Crescent Nebula was taken using the AP900 Mount and AP 5" Refractor Ken was kind enough to sell to me a few years ago. I would always send him the pictures I took with his excellent equipment and he would always provide encouraging feedback.

In Memory of Ken Lum

I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Ken for 22 years through our shared involvement in SMCAS and FPOA. Ken was truly an inspiring renaissance man, with a wide array of interests and the intellectual capacity to delve deeply into many of them. I recall one evening of stargazing at Crestview Park when we discussed our mutual appreciation for Bach’s music. Ken mentioned his plan to listen to all of Bach’s works—well over 1,000 pieces—a testament to his dedication and curiosity.

Above all, Ken was a true gentleman—kind and generous. He often loaned his high-quality astronomical equipment to fellow club members, offering genuine trust and support. I was fortunate to be the beneficiary of his kindness many times. When we were preparing for the total solar eclipse in 2017, he advised me to purchase an iOptron tracking mount. Noticing that the declination tightening screws were difficult to handle, Ken bought larger, more manageable ones. Knowing I had the same mount, he purchased an extra set for me and gave them to me over lunch when we met. It may seem like a small gesture—just a couple of screws—but to me, it epitomized his thoughtfulness and kindness.

Thanks to Ken, I had the opportunity to meet Buzz Aldrin, participate in multiple observing and imaging nights at Glacier Point in Yosemite, and develop my skills in astrophotography. I am deeply grateful to have known him and to have spent countless evenings and nights over 22 years in various locations. I will miss him dearly. I wish his family a long and healthy life. 

Chanan Greenberg

Ken is deeply missed. A truly great man - in so many ways. He was friend to everyone , with him it was always smiles and laughter - people were just happy to be around him. So many conversations and laughter and good times down the years.  All support to Loh-Chung and family and to meet again. With warm regards, Vikas

OBITUARY

Kenneth Lang Lum

October 11, 1948 – May 12, 2025

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