Life is an event with (in my view) a very imperfect ending. Most of the time an ending that brings sadness. So it is with the passing of Ken Baron. Another sign of the death of our youth. I have not seen Ken Baron since college days but have heard reports from time to time. A lover of the Beatles in high school..."Ben, people think they are not good musicians. You and I know better." I could tell you where we were standing when he said that. Or that he was friends with Gene Silverstein...a/k/a Gene Wilder...and had to convince me Gene was staying with Zero Mostel and about to star in The Producers, which I went to see because of Kenny. I never laughed so loud. And back then, I needed a good laugh. I never heard a harsh word from him and his smile long ago burned into my better memories.This was a wonderful person...still is.
Kenny and l went from grade school all the way through high school. A great friend and a wonderful young man. I haven't seen him for years but I'm sure he was the man I know he would be. Rest in peace my friend, I'm proud to call you my friend!
Even as I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Baron, I was uplifted by the comments of other classmates, particularly those of Ben. I will remember Ken ( Kenny from elementary school) for his friendliness, concern for others, and winning smile.
Ken was a guitarist, singer and songwriter who wrote hundreds of songs in many styles, according to an obituary that ran in the December issue of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. One of his children's songs, "Your Face," was recorded by Bob McGrath, who worked for "Sesame Street."
During his life, Ken belonged to many different bands, the most recent one being, The Minor Five.
Ken taught elementary grade music at Milwaukee Public Schools and performed summer children's shows throughout Wisconsin. At one time, the obituary said he was a professional racquetball player.
About five years ago while working for the US Census Bureau, I remet Ken at his home on N. Downer Ave. in Milwaukee. He was the same enthusiastic and youthful-seeming person that I knew many years earlier at 53rd St. School. He had just retired from MPS, but he still wanted to teach children music and was planning on being an MPS substitute teacher.
I ran into Ken about 5 years ago. He looked different but recognized me. I'm so glad because we had a nice chat. It was at the opening for the new Greenfield HS auditorium. Friends took us there to hear a Beatles tribute band and, it so happens, that Ken had been hired to arrange for bands to help open the venue in style.
Ken was friendly and it was great to catch up as I'd know him since grade school. As others have said, he wore his everpresent smile and I am grateful for the memory of our last visit when he was still "on top of his game."
Our ranks are beginning to thin all too regularly and I hope that many of you, like I do, cherish the moments of our "Happy Day Youth" that included walking to school with our friends, carefree summers at Bradford Beach, days spent at Townsend or other playgrounds, and school dances and football games. Air raid drills remain a distant memory and, hopefully, will not be repeated in our lifetime.
May 2016 be a good one for all of you, may our departed classmates reside in a good place, and may we keep each other in our hearts and stay in contact when possible.
Ben Barnow
Life is an event with (in my view) a very imperfect ending. Most of the time an ending that brings sadness. So it is with the passing of Ken Baron. Another sign of the death of our youth. I have not seen Ken Baron since college days but have heard reports from time to time. A lover of the Beatles in high school..."Ben, people think they are not good musicians. You and I know better." I could tell you where we were standing when he said that. Or that he was friends with Gene Silverstein...a/k/a Gene Wilder...and had to convince me Gene was staying with Zero Mostel and about to star in The Producers, which I went to see because of Kenny. I never laughed so loud. And back then, I needed a good laugh. I never heard a harsh word from him and his smile long ago burned into my better memories.This was a wonderful person...still is.Richard Eberhardt
Great tribute Ben. I never got to know Ken very well, but after reading your comments, I sure wish I had.
Ebe
Judy Bahr
Judy Bahr
Beautiful tribute, Ben. Helped those of us who didnt know Ken to appreciate him. Sounds like
you two had a really nice connection. Beautiful memories shared. Thanks. JB
John Brooks
Kenny and l went from grade school all the way through high school. A great friend and a wonderful young man. I haven't seen him for years but I'm sure he was the man I know he would be. Rest in peace my friend, I'm proud to call you my friend!
John Brooks
Linda Goetze (Braender)
Even as I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Baron, I was uplifted by the comments of other classmates, particularly those of Ben. I will remember Ken ( Kenny from elementary school) for his friendliness, concern for others, and winning smile.
Linda Goetze Braender
Lawrence Sussman
Ken was a guitarist, singer and songwriter who wrote hundreds of songs in many styles, according to an obituary that ran in the December issue of the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. One of his children's songs, "Your Face," was recorded by Bob McGrath, who worked for "Sesame Street."
During his life, Ken belonged to many different bands, the most recent one being, The Minor Five.
Ken taught elementary grade music at Milwaukee Public Schools and performed summer children's shows throughout Wisconsin. At one time, the obituary said he was a professional racquetball player.
About five years ago while working for the US Census Bureau, I remet Ken at his home on N. Downer Ave. in Milwaukee. He was the same enthusiastic and youthful-seeming person that I knew many years earlier at 53rd St. School. He had just retired from MPS, but he still wanted to teach children music and was planning on being an MPS substitute teacher.
Larry Sussman
Carol Schwartz (Waisman)
I posted a picture of Kenny Baron from 1959 on a class hayride. It's on my personal profile page. Thanks to all who shared.
Carol Schwartz Waisman
Norm Malmon
I ran into Ken about 5 years ago. He looked different but recognized me. I'm so glad because we had a nice chat. It was at the opening for the new Greenfield HS auditorium. Friends took us there to hear a Beatles tribute band and, it so happens, that Ken had been hired to arrange for bands to help open the venue in style.
Ken was friendly and it was great to catch up as I'd know him since grade school. As others have said, he wore his everpresent smile and I am grateful for the memory of our last visit when he was still "on top of his game."
Our ranks are beginning to thin all too regularly and I hope that many of you, like I do, cherish the moments of our "Happy Day Youth" that included walking to school with our friends, carefree summers at Bradford Beach, days spent at Townsend or other playgrounds, and school dances and football games. Air raid drills remain a distant memory and, hopefully, will not be repeated in our lifetime.
May 2016 be a good one for all of you, may our departed classmates reside in a good place, and may we keep each other in our hearts and stay in contact when possible.
Norm