Ken Alfredson

   See Ken's Obituary
 
After graduation, I needed a break from academia.  I was already in the Naval Reserve, so I volunteered for active service.  I went to a Command School and graduated Nov. 22,1963.  My duty station was Kodiak Island, Alaska.  I loved it up there so much I took the remainder of my active obligation until August 1965.  My 2 most memorable events were surviving the Good Friday earthquake, March 27, 1964 and driving home when discharged down the Alcan Highway on a motorcycle.

I was accepted to MSU College of Communication Arts in Sept 1965 until 1971 .  During which time I supplemented my income from 1971 to 1979 as a bartender at the Pour House restaurant.  At that time, I was offered a position with Riders Hobby Shop which I held until forced retirement in 1997.  Between these times, my love of magic continued since high school.  I opened up my own magic shop from 1969 to 1980.

During this time, I met and married the love of my life, Miriam, from 1971 to her untimely death in 2006. We both loved to travel and were able to go overseas to Great Britain 5 times, renting a flat in downtown London and availing ourselves of their wonderful train system.  We were able to go all over the country for about 3 weeks every other year.  Besides travelling to England 5 times with my wife, I have been able to visit 49 of the 50 states, most of them more than once, except Hawaii.  Additionally I have been through 10 provinces in Canada on at least 2 occasions.  Most of these have been in regards to being a magician.  Mariam worked for the MSU Credit Union as a senior loan officer until her death.  Due to both of us having genetic disorders, we both opted not to have children for future generations.

After her death, it was decided by myself and my friends that I could no longer take care of myself.  Eventually, I was able to get into Dobie Road Medical Care Facility, where I am to this day.  At the facility, I am in charge of welcoming new residents, finding out about them and integrating them here.  Also,  I find out about new amputees, or soon to be so, I let them know what is in store for them, seeing that I am a double amputee.  I can let them know what is in store for them, like no doctor, nurse or social worker can.  I refuse to let new residents wallow in self pity, for the facility has numerous things to take their mind off of themselves. Sometimes, I succeed and even when I don't, I never give up trying.