Obituary of Kenneth Axelrad

Kenneth B. Axelrad Ken was born to Nate and Ruth Axelrad on April 26, 1928 and passed away on August 31, 2012. He was born in Salt Lake City, UT and spent most of his life in the Los Angeles area. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who had many passions. He and Audrey enjoyed living in Arleta, Sylmar, Canyon Country and finally, Simi Valley. He attended Los Angeles High School and earned his BA, Social Science degree at CSULA. He was a proud veteran who served our country for 26 years, in various branches of the military, enlisting at age 18 and re-enlisting multiple times. He earned numerous badges, awards, commendations and medals. He was Technical Sergeant in the LA High School ROTC battalion. His first enlistment was with the Army, as a Corporal. After that, he was a Sergeant, serving in the Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, California Army National Guard, and Air National Guard. He had been deployed to Korea, Italy, Germany and England. He was activated for several civil disturbances, including the Watts Riot. Ken was passionate about his volunteer work as a reserve police officer. His recognition included being honored as LAPD Reserve Officer of the Year 8 times. He was commended for his confidence, integrity, leadership ability and commitment to duty. His superiors characterized him as "Truly LAPD's role model of a Reserve Officer". The Boy Scouts of America decorated him with the highest adult honor, the Silver Beaver Award, as well as election to the Order of the Arrow. Ken's traffic engineering career with the City of LA spanned 30 years. He was known for his unquestionable loyalty, superior professionalism and dedication. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Audrey; his children, Jim (Pam), Kathy (Rick) Memmott, Julie (John) Leichtle and Tom (Cherèe); his grandchildren, Rhonda Memmott (Matt Leonard), Brian Memmott (Nicole Bohlke), Jason (Jennifer) Axelrad, Eric Leichtle, Allison (J.C.) Kester, Stephanie Leichtle and Emily Axelrad; great-grandchildren, Natalie Axelrad and Parker Memmott. He's predeceased by his parents and sister, Donna. Ken will be honored at a funeral service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Rose Family Funeral Home at 4444 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063. In lieu of flowers, the donations can be made to the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation (http://lapmf.org), an organization that had assisted Ken. Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation 1880 North Academy Drive Los Angeles, California 90012 Phone: (213) 847-4239 Please indicate "In memory of Kenneth Axelrad"