Kenneth Lavelle Camp, Jr.

Kenneth L. Camp, Jr. was born on July 20, 1932 in Moreno, California, to Kenneth Lavelle and Cora Alice (Moore) Camp. He passed away on February 19, 2016, in Fullerton, California, at the age of 83.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Camp, daughters, Elizabeth Camp and Colleen Anasis, his son-in-law George Anasis, grandchildren Clayton Anasis, Sarah Gayler and Amelia Anasis along with his sister Elaine (Camp) Fitzwater and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son Kenneth W. Camp.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, March 4, 2016, 9am-10am, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 East Philadelphia St., Whittier, California.

A funeral service will follow at First Friends Church, 13205 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA at 11a.m., with internment on March 4, 2016, 2:30 pm, at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Gate 1at Garden of Eternity, Whittier, California.

Flowers arrangements can be made through Kings Flowers 714-992-2123.

Donations can be made payable to the Willard Elementary School PTA

Indicate it is for the Ken Camp Memorial Fund for 6th Grade Camp donations can be sent to: Willard Elementary School

Attention: Michelle Collaso

3152 N. Willard Ave.

Rosemead, CA 91770

Ken was born at home in Moreno, California and moved to Whittier in 1933, where he attended Whittier Elementary Schools. He graduated proudly from Whittier High Schools class of 1950. Ken continued his education at Cal State Long Beach where he graduated and became an elementary school teacher. He married Joanne Votaw on July 12, 1957, with whom he had three children. They moved the family to Brea, CA in 1965 where they have lived ever since.

Ken was raised by his loving mother Cora with his sister Elaine who nicknamed him Buddy which later became Bud. Growing up he was active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Life Scout. At the age of 14 he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his inner ear and was not expected to live past the age of 18. Despite his health challenges and missed school time he was determined to graduate with his class of 1950. Ken kept in touch with many class mates and some had dinner together a few days before he passed away.

Growing up Ken was also influenced by many Freemasons. He went through the Chairs of De Molays and was a Past Master Councilor of Whittier Chapter (1951). In 1950 the Shrine held their International Convention in Los Angeles where Ken worked setting up the facilities for all of the over 400 horses that were brought in from all over the world. Having been raised by a single Mom he looked to some of the De Molay Dads for support and guidance. Rosco Ferris was one of those Freemasons who made the difference for him and many young men and he asked him to be his sponsor. When he turned 21, he was asked to join Whittier Lodge #323. Roc was his coach through all 3 Degrees. He taught Ken that Masonic Values are in your heart as well as in your actions. He worked for the Edison Co. at the time he received his 3rd Degree. He was a Freemason for 56 years.

In 1954, Ken returned to college at Long Beach State College where he received his B.A. & M.A. in Education. In 1955, he went into the Real Estate business while he was still in school. By the time he graduated he had his Brokers License. In the summer of 1956 he attended Whittier College where he met Joanne Votaw in a Story Telling Class. They were married in July of 1957 and he started his teaching career at Ocean View Elementary School in East Whittier. In 1959 their first daughter, Elizabeth Elaine was born followed by Colleen Grace in 1962 and in 1964 was blessed with a son, Kenneth Warren.

In 1965, Ken left his teaching position in East Whittier and took a job as Principal in Garvey School District. He spent 19 years with Garvey School District and worked with the Masonic Lodges in Rosemead, Monterey Park & Alhambra to co-ordinate Public Schools Week. He retired from the Garvey School District as Director of Maintenance & Operations where he was able to supervise the remodeling of four schools built in the 1920s and built a brand new school called Arlene Bitely Elementary School. Since his retirement he worked part time selling real estate.

Ken volunteered with the Indian Guides, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops where his children were involved. He helped his daughters earn the highest level of Girl Scouting at the time called First Class while he helped his son earn the rank of Eagle Boy Scout. He & Joanne loved camping and took the kids on many outings along with spending time at their cabin in Lake Arrowhead. He was a do it yourselfer and, there wasnt much he couldnt repair. His handy work shows throughout the cabin.

Ken and Joanne traveled across country in their motor home and even drove to Mexico City in 1976 to pick up Colleen, their daughter who was an exchange student that summer. They traveled to many countries, sometimes with their high school friends or his sister Elaines church traveling group. They loved traveling and were always planning their next trip.

Ken was a natural educator with a heart for under privileged children. He shared camping in the San Bernardino Mountains with students in the Garvey School District who had never been away from home on a week-long camping trip. He was a member of Rosemead Rotary for 20 years.

Ken and Joanne have been members of First Friends Church for many years and saw true joy in sharing their cabin with the Jr. High and High School Friends each year. Fond memories were created knowing God was guiding the hearts of all those involved.

Ken was a life-long learner. He went to computer classes at Rio Hondo College and took photography classes, Ken has an office full of How to books from computers, to machinery, to 1929 Model A repairs to How to Involve Parents in a Multicultural School written by his dear educator friend and colleague Bruce Davis.

During his retirement years Ken learned to play golf, went deep sea fishing, spent time in his garden, helped neighbors, learned how to wire wrap stones jewelry and picked up his love of woodworking. He made various items for friends and family such as cutting boards, napkin holders, the kitchen table at Lake Arrowhead and in December finished a foot stool for Elizabeth.

Ken had a heart of gold and his heart was true, sincere and full of love. He cared for everyone he met, he offered help to anyone and he never met a stranger. He was a good and faithful servant who God called home to be with Him. Ken will be truly missed in so many ways and by everyone who knew him.