Ken was born to Albert Frank Stec and Adeline Marie Wilks Wilczeu on the 12th of December, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. His sisters, Kathleen and Linda, soon followed, completing their family. An adventurer at heart, Ken loved traveling and experiencing new places and people. He was particularly drawn to the desert, Mexico, and the Florida Keys. A music lover, his tastes ranged from Simon and Garfunkel to Jimmy Buffet. Friends met him at the Galley on the Marina, on the golf course, and at the poker table, where he was always good for a joke and a hearty laugh. Ken was best known for his passion for life, his sense of humor, and his generous spirit. In his career as a Senior Buyer in Indirect Procurement at United Technologies Aerospace, formerly Rohr Industries, Ken formed many friendships, and continued to enjoy those friendships even after retirement. His coworkers considered him professional, knowledgeable, and hardworking. Ken is survived by his daughters: Shanel Stec and her husband Duke, along with their two children, Kaden and Sebastian; Jessica Mahoney and her husband Jason, along with their two children, Jack and Rachel; Sherry Dalton and her fiancé Gene, along with her two children Derick Stec and Jonathan Dalton; Kimberly Dalton and her children Socorro Sabrena Mercado, Kendra Rockriver, Christina Rockriver, Barbara Nixon, Jaymie Stec, and Samantha Draper; and Danette Stec and her son Steven Kenneth Adam Stec. He will also be held in remembrance by Barbara Sullivan and Charlene Beightol, along with her daughter Christy Mead, Christy's husband Matt, and their children Garth Mead and Courtland Mead. Waiting in heaven for her "bodsy" is Ken's beloved sister Kathy Lowe and their parents, along with Kathy's husband Bill. A memorial at sea will take place at sunset on Saturday, October 8, 2016. The yacht "Fantasea" will leave the Marina Cortez, Dock B, at 5:15 pm and will return at approximately 7:30 pm. For directions to the dock and information on parking, please contact Jess Mahoney at jksmahoney@gmail.com. Please be sure to dress for comfort and safety. For those unable to attend the memorial but who wish to remember Ken, please join Ken's many loved ones who will be lighting a candle in his honor at sunset wherever they are, representing the light he brought into all our lives. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Resounding Joy, music therapists serving the Scripps LaJolla ICU who help patients and families draw strength from the joy of music, shared memories, and love, even in the darkest times. https://secure.entango.com/donate/ScrippsHealth?_ga=1.1894262.678545071.1475537802 Donations can also be sent by check payable to : Andrea DeLucia Scripps Health Foundation PO Box 2669 San Diego, Ca 92038 Memo: Ken Stec tribute gift