Kenneth W. De Baun

Passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Rosa, CA on Wednesday November 3, 2010. Ken was born and raised in Little Ferry, New Jersey to parents Lester De Baun and Minnie Becker. Following his graduation from high school at the age of 16, Ken began attending Stevens University in 1943. Upon completion of his third term he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II, returning to Stevens to graduate in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ken married Grace E. Chase in May 1950 and in 1960 moved his family to California where he began his entrepreneurial life, founding and serving as President and CEO of 13 companies. In the fields of air filtration and airflow measurement he held 10 US patents, his ventures including Servodyne Corporation, Air Filter Sales and Service, and Air Monitor Corporation. During his later years the business ventures diversified to include the Chateau DeBaun Winery and Hopper Self-Storage. In 1995 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, which he served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1990 and supported philanthropically. Ken is survived by Grace De Baun, his wife and business partner of 60 years; his three children Carol, Dean and Cheryl; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. There will be a private internment on Saturday November 13th followed by a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Council on Aging. www.councilonaging.com