| Ken Mayer |
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Trying to condense 50 years since graduation at CHS into a
paragraph or two (or five) is a bit of a challenge, but here it is.
After CHS was U of A where I majored in Architecture. Actually,
when you major in Architecture, there is no "minor in" -- you live
and breathe architecture. Five years later you get a degree,
but there's still 5 more years of apprenticeship before you can
even take your State Boards.
I was into my first year of apprenticeship when it occurred to me
that I need more diversion in my life then sitting behind a
drafting table. So, I signed up with the U.S. Navy. It's Officer
Candidate School (think Officer and a Gentleman -- same
program), some training in preflight and the military intelligence
training command and then you get: LTJG K. D. Mayer, Naval
Air Intelligence Officer on board the Carrier Constellation off the
coast of Vietnam. The duty was good, as I was part of the Air
Wing Commander's staff.
After the 1969-70 tour, there was some more time at NAS
Mirimar, home of Air Wing 14, and then out of the service, and it
was back to architecture in San Diego where I used to be
based. In San Diego, and as part of the Jaycees, I reinstated
the Soap Box Derby in that city. Our city winner took 7th in the
nationals at Akron. Its was a treat working with those kids. I
finished my apprenticeship, passed my State Boards and
received my license. Then, more architecture (mostly
commercial interior design work) in Montreal and finally landing
in Los Angeles in 1984 where I am now. My company is called
CAD Charettes. Now I share my office space with a group of
architects where we design police stations. I also love
designing homes.
paragraph or two (or five) is a bit of a challenge, but here it is.
After CHS was U of A where I majored in Architecture. Actually,
when you major in Architecture, there is no "minor in" -- you live
and breathe architecture. Five years later you get a degree,
but there's still 5 more years of apprenticeship before you can
even take your State Boards.
I was into my first year of apprenticeship when it occurred to me
that I need more diversion in my life then sitting behind a
drafting table. So, I signed up with the U.S. Navy. It's Officer
Candidate School (think Officer and a Gentleman -- same
program), some training in preflight and the military intelligence
training command and then you get: LTJG K. D. Mayer, Naval
Air Intelligence Officer on board the Carrier Constellation off the
coast of Vietnam. The duty was good, as I was part of the Air
Wing Commander's staff.
After the 1969-70 tour, there was some more time at NAS
Mirimar, home of Air Wing 14, and then out of the service, and it
was back to architecture in San Diego where I used to be
based. In San Diego, and as part of the Jaycees, I reinstated
the Soap Box Derby in that city. Our city winner took 7th in the
nationals at Akron. Its was a treat working with those kids. I
finished my apprenticeship, passed my State Boards and
received my license. Then, more architecture (mostly
commercial interior design work) in Montreal and finally landing
in Los Angeles in 1984 where I am now. My company is called
CAD Charettes. Now I share my office space with a group of
architects where we design police stations. I also love
designing homes.
Last Updated: October 2009
| Ken 2009 |
Socially, I'm now engaged to a sweetheart of a lady by the name of Tallie. She will be with
me at the reunion. It took a long time (and a lot of -- obviously -- less than successful
relationships to get to her) but worth the wait. We live in our home -- with our kittens -- in an
area called Box Canyon (hence my email CanyonKenny@aol.com). Box Canyon is bit rural
and very peaceful and pleasant -- except when fires threaten the neighborhood!
Life is definitely good, Tallie has two great sons and a darling baby granddaughter. I'm
active with my VFW Post and with the Jewish War Veterans. Jeff McKeever and I have
maintained a great "best friends" relationship over these years, and try to get together as
often as possible (tough though, with him in Paradise Valley). I walk marathons -- more than
two dozen to date -- and when I do the Phoenix marathon, Jeff and Tahnia are incredibly
gracious hosts. I'm still the avid photographer I was when I was photo editor of The Torch.
Except now instead of film and darkrooms, it's flashcards and Photoshop. Finally, I'm looking
forward to seeing all of you next year. Take care and stay well.
me at the reunion. It took a long time (and a lot of -- obviously -- less than successful
relationships to get to her) but worth the wait. We live in our home -- with our kittens -- in an
area called Box Canyon (hence my email CanyonKenny@aol.com). Box Canyon is bit rural
and very peaceful and pleasant -- except when fires threaten the neighborhood!
Life is definitely good, Tallie has two great sons and a darling baby granddaughter. I'm
active with my VFW Post and with the Jewish War Veterans. Jeff McKeever and I have
maintained a great "best friends" relationship over these years, and try to get together as
often as possible (tough though, with him in Paradise Valley). I walk marathons -- more than
two dozen to date -- and when I do the Phoenix marathon, Jeff and Tahnia are incredibly
gracious hosts. I'm still the avid photographer I was when I was photo editor of The Torch.
Except now instead of film and darkrooms, it's flashcards and Photoshop. Finally, I'm looking
forward to seeing all of you next year. Take care and stay well.
| e-mail me ---> |
| Tallie and granddaughter Clover |
| Tallie and I at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library |
| Jeff McKeever (right) and me at my 65th birthday |
| A Box Canyon fire across the street from our home |
| My favorite song from our High School days "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers |
