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BURGESS -- Kenneth Burgess, 49, passed from this life at his home in San Francisco, October 14, 2003. He is survived by his partner, Dennis Knebel; mother and father, Howard and Margaret Burgess of Richardson TX, and a sister, Rita Burgess Readerman of Denver CO. Both before and throughout Ken's ten year illness, he always possessed a positive attitude, with a quiet dignity and gentle humor. He graduated with honors from J.J. Pierce High School Richardson TX in 1972. Ken entered University of Texas at Austin Architecture Program and graduated with honors in 1977. In 1995, one year after a nearly life threatening illness, Ken studied and completed the last in a series of exams to become a registered architect in Texas and became a member of AIA. Ken performed both commercial and residential design, completing many re-models large and small. However, his first love was designing single-family dwellings. During his 20 years of self-employment, he designed homes mainly in the Dallas area, with other projects in Texas located in Greenville and Pampa, also Roswell, NM, Vermont, and San Francisco. To Ken, architecture was not just a career, it was his passion in life. He often said he wanted a "clean sheet of paper" to design his homes from the ground up, thinking through his design from the footprint of the house, down to the door knobs. He was a perfectionist, at times becoming more an artist than a self-employed businessman. Nonetheless, Ken was a huge success in life, as he truly enjoyed his work and gave back so much to his clients. To the very end, he was fascinated by architecture, and a love for geography. Ken also enjoyed travel, with a special love for his native New Mexico. He had much respect for the culture of the native Americans of the southwest, as well as Mexico. In his easy-going manner, Ken traveled effortlessly and comfortably through Europe, enjoying simple pleasures of walking through town squares, scenic hikes, good food, frequently followed by a nap. Ken's last trip abroad was to Greece in 2002, where he saw the architecture that he had first studied years ago in college. Ken, you were much loved and we all miss you so much, but you will remain in our memories forever. Memorials may be sent to Project Open Hand (www.openhand.org) or Open Hand, 730 Polk Street, San Francisco, Ca 94109
        Published on: Sun November 16, 2003