At times it can be challenging to reflect on the passing of a friend. But the passing of Ken E. Segovia has made it easier because of his longtime devotion and support for El Tecolote.
Ken was 83 when he died on Jan. 4, 2022 after a long illness. Many times he would stop by our offices and visit with me and others, inquiring about our upcoming stories or to give us feedback on the latest edition. His periodic visits eventually led to taking on the role as a Spanish translator for some of our stories. He took on the work with pride and a profound dedication to do his best—we were never disappointed.
Ken was a charming man—always flashing a heartwarming grin and engaging you in conversation. He was aware of the importance of our collective work in the service of our community—it was a bond we shared. He oftentime carried copies of El Tecolote with him to hand out to family and friends. He was clearly a Tecololte at heart.
Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, in 1938, he was one of seven children (five boys and two girls) to Alicia Sanchez and Vidal Segovia.
His parents traveled from El Salvador to Texas through Mexico in the 1950s with Alicia eventually remarrying and making Texas her final resting place.
Vidal remarried as well, opened a furniture store in the upper Mission and after retiring, made Vallejo, California his final resting place.
In 1967, Ken moved from Texas to California to elope with Carmen Velasco. They had two children, Gabriela and Mayra. Ken and Carmen eventually divorced and neither chose to marry again.
Ken was also an aficionado of higher education and was a huge supporter of the 1968 student strike at San Francisco State University that led to the creation of the School of Ethnic Studies. When I worked as instructor, and at times as department chair of La Raza Studies, you could always count on a periodic visit from Ken to engage in some political chit-chat. It was always a pleasure to see him and to engage with him.
As for his life in San Francisco, it included creating art for community projects, advocating for other military veterans, and riding on the MUNI system to visit friends and family in the Mission District and the 30th Street Senior Center.
Kenneth E. Segovia will be laid to rest in Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
Ken, the Tecolote family thanks you for your contribution. You enriched us with your unselfish work and commitment to our people.
Ken Segovia ¡PRESENTE!