Alan Michael Kay was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut on May 12, 1947. His family moved to California when he was 16 years old. He joined the California High School Band in Whittier playing the trumpet and quickly made friends and adjusted to life in California. He graduated from Fullerton State College with a teaching degree. During his college years Alan worked at Disneyland, mostly on Main Street at the Emporium, starting as a salesman working up to superintendent.
He met his future wife, Ruth Elizabeth Maier, at the music department band room as Juniors. They dated for 4 years and married in 1969 after graduating from Cal State Fullerton. They were very happily married for 55 years.
Alan began his teaching career at Loara High School in Anaheim, assisting as band/orchestra director. Then he moved to Simi Valley High, then Agoura High School. His students won many awards in marching & field band, as well as, Superiors in concert band & orchestra. He made a positive impact on all of his student’s lives.
After 10 years of teaching he joined Henco, then RC Dudek as a sales representative, eventually becoming President of the company. His first love was always teaching, so after retirement he found himself teaching again. Now at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley where he taught history to grades 5-6 during the school year and in the summers he worked with high schoolers in an Advanced Leadership program. He loved working with kids, of all ages.
Alan thrived on being a dad to his two sons, Brian & Jason. They participated in Indian Guides together. He supported them, going to all their activities: soccer, baseball, wrestling & tennis, cheering them on heartily. Over the years, they had fun playing catch in the street in front of our house. Conversations were a big deal with his boys, about school, sports, or life. Soon came marriages for the son's & grandkids. Alan’s newest title became “Papa Bear”. He had 4 boys & 4 girls: Tiffanie, Carter, Blanton, Christian, Zachary, Zoe, Jaynie & Lucy. And along came Paislee, his 1st great-grandchild!
He had a strong faith in God, going 1st to Synagogue until his bar mitzvah. He began going to church as a new dad & all 3 (Brian, Jason & Alan)were baptized the same day. He taught Sunday School to high schoolers & adults and was an Elder at Emmanuel Church in Thousand Oaks.
Alan enjoyed public speaking, golf with guy friends weekly, billiards, watching the Dodgers, writing & Barbecuing. Ten years ago, Alan started his journey with dementia. Up until 2 years ago, he lived at home with Ruthie. Then he was cared for in a care home. Alan took his last breath on Sunday night, peacefully, July 21, 2024. He is survived by Ruthie, Brian & Jamie Kay, Jason & Stephanie Kay and 8 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. He was very close to his brother & sister-in-law, living in New Mexico, Carl & Kristine Maier.
In honor of his final wishes, his remains will be spread in his favorite places. A Celebration of Life service will be held August 10 @ 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Church, Camarillo. All are welcome. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura, CA.