I am posting this to the Las Trampas hiking community with permission from the family.
Our good friend, Ken Wells, passed away on the trail in the early morning on May 19, 2021 near the end of a “walk” as he called them from the Hemme trailhead to “the rock” at the top of the ridge, and back. Ken and I had taken about 1500 of these hikes together over the last eight years. Calling him dependable, devoted, and loyal were understatements, at best.
The Las Trampas Hiking community and these hills, especially the rotating 8-10 guys on the 0615 Saturday hike, were an important slice of his life. You would recognize him on the trail in his baggy navy sweatshirt, dark brown cargo shorts, and his hiking gear – a set of beat up poles, a headlamp under his cap, and a mag light stuffed in his cargo pocket. (Weekday hikes started at 0500, before first light, and the mag light became a fixture after we spotted a mountain lion near Lone Tree.) He likely greeted you on the trail with a friendly and heartfelt, “Good morning!”. In not necessarily this order he was kind, compassionate, brilliant, and humble. He had specific expertise in all things involving cars, guns, and electrical engineering. He was the perfect hiking companion. He listened more than he talked, but was very effective at initiating new topics if a minute or two lapsed in the steady trail conversation.
I want everyone to know what a great guy he was. We plan to install a plaque in his honor near the bench as a touchstone of sorts, reminding us of him on all of our hikes.
For those that knew Ken, maybe by description if not name, and would like to be a part of the dedication please contact me: Jeff Bruno, [email protected], 925-789-0987