Kenneth S. Weeks
Kenneth S. Weeks, 93, died peacefully at home in West Yarmouth, MA with family by his side November 5, 2015, having recently moved there from Atria in Darien, CT.
Ken was born in Perinton, NY and was the son of the late Kenneth S. Weeks, Sr. and the late Kathryn A. Smith. He graduated from Pittsfield, MA High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 and participated in the Salerno, Italy and Southern France landings as a member of the U.S. Navy 4th Beach Battalion of the Amphibious Forces. While in the NROTC program of the Navy he attended Princeton University, Trinity College, and Yale University, graduating from Yale with the class of 1948.
Following employment with the Lustron Corp. and the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) he met the former Peg Pierson, of Darien, and they fell in love and were married. He settled in Darien and worked for the Columbia Gas System in NYC for 14 years, becoming Director of Building and Real Estate, while helping to raise his growing family. After employment with JFN Associates and with Ross Wilkins Real Estate he founded his own landscape masonry business in 1974. It was in this position that Ken's passion was ignited as he created numerous walls, walks, and terraces, that were not only functional but visually pleasing. He had a natural eye for color and design that were evident in his work.
He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church since 1956, serving on the Vestry from 1983-1986 as well as on the Diocesan Executive Council from 1987-1990. He also served as a Stephen Minister and participated in a weekly bible study for over 20 years. He served on the Darien RTM from 1963-1967. He was a member of the Yale Club of Darien/Norwalk and served as a fund raiser for the Yale Alumni Fund from 1976-1994.
Ken spent most of his hours outside of work out of doors; chopping wood, raking leaves, or tending his garden, taking pride in a well-maintained property. He often enjoyed the company of his children and neighborhood animals as he worked. He and his family also enjoyed swimming and tennis in the summer and downhill and x-c skiing in the winter. He and Peg also traveled in their retirement, including a mission trip to Ecuador with St. Luke's Church, as well as trips to Israel, Europe, Nova Scotia, and the West Coast.
Ken will be remembered for his quick wit, self-discipline, and optimism. He loved plays on words, and even more so the smiles he evoked from his frequent puns. He arose early each morning to practice his daily exercise regimen on his rowing machine. Ken's early years were not always easy, but by his mother's example he learned to see 'the silver lining' in every circumstance, and he modeled this attribute throughout his life. What stands out most however, is his faith and love for God and his family. He and Peg were married for nearly 63 years and their love and respect for each other was as strong in his last days as they were from their days of courting and early marriage. Ken lived out his faith daily in the choices he made and the lives that he touched.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Peg, formerly of Darien, and currently of West Yarmouth, MA, and their four children, Paul Weeks of Bristol, NH, Brad Weeks and his wife, Karen of Wallingford, CT, Katy Kopetz of East Dennis, MA, and Carrie DiProspero of Waterbury, CT, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Additional survivors include his sister, Dorothy Lutts of Pittsfield, MA, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Barbara Hart of Old Saybrook, CT, and Helen Moore of Sea Island, GA.
We are so thankful that Dad's transition was made easier by the wonderful care of his longtime aide, Elsie, and the Beacon Hospice staff.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke's Church, Person to Person, or a charity of your choice.
A service in celebration of his life will be held at St. Luke's Church, Darien on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 3:00 PM