Last fall, Ken told me that he was driving to Berkeley for the weekend. This worried me, and I told him so. Ken was battling very serious health problems; some long-standing and some new. The trip would be tiring. But, he was determined to see old friends and revisit favorite places. And, when Ken was determined, nothing could stop him.

The next week, he looked exhausted. However, when I asked about Berkeley, his face lit with joy. He said he had visited his favorite Northside café. It has a sign inside that says: "Politicians Not Welcome." Ken loved that sign. He said that he urged the café operator to open a branch in Santa Monica. Very soon after that, Ken was hospitalized for the last time.

What a remarkable person! He will always be, for me, the supreme example of the human spirit and intellect triumphing over profound adversity.

Ken and I were both tenants together at the Sea Castle back in the crazy days before any of us ever had any sense that we would be inside of government. When I knew him then I knew that he had a keen and perceptive sense of how to fight the good fight on behalf of tenants around keeping housing in Santa Monica affordable. He really got it.

Ken was a friend. We went to our favorite deli in Santa Monica all of the time, Zuckey's. There was a particularly grumpy person working there when you went up to pay your check. Kenny and I would bet on who could actually make her smile or laugh because most of the time she just did not want to be very engaging (I suppose that was part of the charm of the place). Ken always won the bet.

He loved the Pier. He was really the people's advocate - what ever was going to replace the parts of the pier that fell into the ocean would be affordable, fun and accessible. That was what he fought for and that is ultimately what happened. I will miss him. He was an honest and good man. And, a great personal friend over lots of years.

As a relative newcomer to Santa Monica civic life I wasn't quite sure what I would experience here in the city. Ken (or as I would call him in public, "Mayor Genser", to which his reply would teasingly be, "But Chief Tim, you call me Ken in private..."), helped me understand a great deal about Santa Monica at our frequent lunches at Izzy's Deli. His knowledge of local history -- often pre-dating his time in city government -- helped explain why some things that made no sense on the surface were reasonable decisions once the history became clear.

Ken had an amazing understanding of his role as a policy maker versus that of operational staff, which for me was a breath of fresh air. He would always make it clear he was not telling me how to do my job -- instead he focused on ensuring I understood the complexities of the policy we were discussing. His determination that procedures were always followed wasn't an exercise in bureaucratic mindlessness: he believed in process, public participation and the open and transparent operation of our government -- even if that made it hard to do a job..

Alan Toy, former Rent Control Board member:

When I remember Ken, I will always think of the happy hours spent backstage with him at the pier Twilight series concerts. Though there have been many great bands over the years, I have often been torn between continuing a fascinating conversation at Ken's table and actually going out front to watch the shows.

I rarely saw him move to the front of the stage, but he held court so magnificently behind the scenes that it was tempting just to stay there and enjoy the ambience and his genteel camaraderie instead of the performances. Sometimes the conversations were so interesting that I had to follow Ken and other friends to the traditional after-show dinners at Lares restaurant. Those were good times and Ken's broad smiles and ever-present camera made them all the better. He was a dear man and I will miss him terribly, as a friend and as a true civic leader.

Ken was such a courageous man. His physical restrictions rarely kept him from his engagements. Generous with his time and so committed to his role for the city. He seemed just delighted to be Mayor again. Ken cared about people and especially those who live and work here. Many may say that Ken was at times stubborn or strong willed but I think it was his passion! He was strong in his beliefs and liked to debate with others whose viewpoints he may have disagreed with. How many Mayors can you email at 3 a.m. and get a response right away? (Maybe not the response you wanted but a quick response just the same). I loved that!

One of my fondest memories of Ken was this past May, when he kicked off National Tourism Week. Ken later emailed me and expressed his pride in representing our destination and welcoming people to Santa Monica. In fact, he stayed for many more hours than we had requested and offered to do a repeat performance anytime, he enjoyed the personal interaction so much! My last meeting with Ken was in early October at one of his favorite local places, Izzy's Deli. He laughed when I asked if there were any plans to name his favorite meal after him? In speaking with Izzy today he mentioned he may just indeed name his special turkey burger on the menu after our mayor! I think Ken would like that. Rest Easy Ken.

I first met Ken Genser in 1996, when I was appointed to the Architectural Review Board. My feelings were of admiration. His focus and integrity was flawless. Ken always made himself available to discuss architecture, planning and how it may impact the City of Santa Monica.

No matter how he felt physically, or if he opposed or supported a proposed development, he showed up to listen and discuss in detail. One of his greatest characteristics was his ability to review a project, provide guidance and general comments, but he never shared his position until the Public Hearing. Ken presented his views with care and intellect. Ken Genser was a real gentleman and a great loss to the City of Santa Monica.