Friday, September 6, 2024
My name is Michael Mata and the only way I knew Ken at all, was as his tenant in the apartment he rented (attached to his home) at 193 Liberty St in Bridgeville. Further I never met any of his friends or family, or socialized with him: But because I feel his legacy includes the fact that he was "a tough outspoken man" (thus we had some doozy arguments) there is nonetheless something to learn learn from this memory, I think everyone could benefit from, as follows:
Namely that even though he didn't like or trust me for the first year and a half, I became determined to SHOW him through my actions that I really WAS trustworthy thus i am pleased to say; that he did end up trusting me which to me sets the example of how with a little effort and patience, people who don't initially get along can find enough common ground, to accept the ways of people they don't understand, and instead actually end up with mutual respect (instead of allowing only disagreements to define an association)! Especially in these times of bitterness between citizens of opposing viewpoints, I think Ken's legacy supports the notion that if people want to get along, they can! So with this I'll end by offering my sincere sympathies, to all his family and friends. He was a tough but GOOD man! Mike Mata (Ken's apartment tenant)
PS: There is one regret: Because we ended on a good note I had fully intended to engage him in a conversation about boxing; because even though he probably would never have guessed it; I have long had a keen interest in the sport and especially wanted to hear what he had to say about the classic bouts between Ali, Frasier Foreman Quarry Norton on and on!
