Kenneth F. McQuade

Our beloved, KENNETH FRANCIS McQUADE died peacefully in the arms of his wife Ann on the evening of Tuesday 30th September 2014 at the Tucson Medical Centre following a lengthy battle to recover from a massive stroke and subsequent life saving surgery. Throughout this time Kenneth's bravery and will to live was inspirational to everyone around him.

Kenneth was born in London, England, on 8th November 1932 shortly after his parents, Bob and Noreen, had moved to England from Northern Ireland. His father was enlisted in the Army shortly after the commencement of World War 2 and the family, mother Noreen, Kenneth, brother Terry and sister Moya, were later evacuated to rural Leicestershire, a part of England known as the East Midlands. This proved to be a difficult time for them, so Noreen took the children to Hatfield in Hertfordshire to live with her mother in a second floor apartment opposite one of the country’s largest aircraft manufacturers, the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Fortunately this close proximity did not lead to any unwanted attention from the German Luftwaffe, though Ken would recall childhood memories of bomb damage in London, collecting shrapnel with his young brother, Terry, and being fascinated by the occasional V1 "Doodlebug" later in the war.

Ken was always a voracious reader and after studying hard at the local Grammar School he moved on to Hatfield Technical College, a decision which opened up his future career path. On leaving the college he joined the de Havilland Aircraft Company, also becoming an Associate Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the first steps in a long and successful career in the aeronautical industry, which would take him far from home.

In 1956 Ken left England for Canada with his new wife and baby daughter, Suzanne, to work for Canadair. He soon realized there were better prospects in the U.S.A. With the aerospace business exploding in Southern California he was hired by North American into their rapidly expanding Autonetics division. There his contributions to their digital avionics business were focused on the F-111 program. With NASA’s award of the Space Shuttle to North American and their requirement for a revolutionary digital, redundant avionics suite, Ken was re-assigned to the Space division, becoming the VP of Shuttle avionics development. By the time of the first flight he had advanced to Chief Engineer of the Shuttle Program itself. His subsequent rapid progression to Program Management and then General Management followed quickly in the Collins Communication operations of Rockwell where he demonstrated a unique ability to integrate his first love of engineering with operations and financial management. Once again Ken oversaw the application of the most advanced microelectronics spanning the spectrum of military and classified government agency needs. The realization and delivery of National Security requirements for assured communication and reconstitution during and under nuclear attack greatly benefitted from Ken’s contributions. Returning to Autonetics as VP and General Manager of the Sensors and Aircraft Systems division he oversaw programs as diverse as missile radar systems, F-111 avionics upgrades, specialty computer development, submarine combat systems, autonomous underwater vehicles, and a wide array of products to enhance the nation’s intelligence capabilities.

Ken’s career spanned what many consider the golden age of modern aerospace. Widely regarded both domestically and internationally, he was a modest, intelligent man, with an engaging personality that attracted and inspired the best talent to collectively solve heretofore intractable problems.

Ken found true contentment, companionship and love in 1982 when he met his second wife, Ann, who he referred to as “the love of my life.” They were married in 1985 and Kenneth became a much loved Stepfather to David, Billy, and Julie and a devoted and adored Grandfather to the 15 Grandchildren born in the years that followed.

Though far away in distance Kenneth always remained close to his family back in England, in particular, his brother Terry. They had much in common and whilst they couldn't see each other as much as they liked they maintained contact through regular phone calls. For Terry and his wife Anne's children, Jacqueline, Ian and Stephen, Ken was the glamorous Uncle in California, first seen in photos then through his more regular visits to England during the 1970s and 80s. He was very much looked up to and loved not only by them but, in later life, by their children too as he became Great Uncle Ken. As with his American family Kenneth was warm and loving to all his extended family and became something of an inspiration and role model to his eldest Great Nephew, Benjamin, in particular, inspiring him to follow in Kenneth's footsteps by looking to a future in Aeronautical Engineering.

Ken thrived on the responsibility he achieved during his long career, a career of hard work and achievement, but was always generous with his time and money for his beloved family and numerous friends. Kenneth loved life and lived a good and full one. He always remained positive and upbeat, continuing to enjoy his passion for golf and the occasional visit to the Casino, or walking with his faithful dog, Rusty by his side.

Among the "great and the good" Kenneth Francis McQuade stood out as one of the best, known to most affectionately as Ken. He was a joy to be with, with an engaging sense of humour, an exceptional man with a warm, welcoming nature and an extraordinary way with people. A man of integrity, a man who garnered respect. A Gentleman. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.