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1939 – 2013
Kenneth F. Crane, son of Elsie T. Anderson and Frederick I. Crane, was born in Brooklyn, NewYork, on May 24, 1939.
When he was a young man, he enlisted with the U.S. Army and earned his helicopter pilot's license to fulfill his childhood dream of flying. He retired from his 26-year career in the Army at the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1986. Ken also worked a lifetime career in aerospace engineering as an electrical specialist for Grumman (later Northrop Grumman) in New York throughout the 70's and 80's, and at Point Mugu Naval Station in California during the 90's. He loved to reminisce about his early work on the Lunar Module and, especially, the F-14 D fighter project. He was instrumental in establishing and troubleshooting the GPS system for the F-14 D and earned many commendations and awards for good service from both the Army and Northrop Grumman.
Ken was well known among work colleagues and family for his calm, friendly demeanor and ability to listen to others. He also had a soft spot for animals, particularly dogs. A born engineer, Ken enjoyed making and fixing things not only at work but at home. His family was often amused to receive personal notes in his print handwriting on graph paper.
When his wife of 34 years, Lonni, succumbed to a long struggle with lung cancer in October 2002, Ken was left a widower. About a year later, he moved to Ramona, California, where he met Pauline. They were married 2006. Spry and active all his days, Ken also enjoyed golfing, building and running model cars and planes, fishing and boating.
He was consistently proud and supportive of his children and a loyal husband to Lonni and later to Pauline. All who knew him well will continue to miss him.
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