Ken Knudson was a remarkable person. He founded a successful hotel chain, achieved a black belt in karate, had a keen intellect and possessed an incredibly charming personality. Last year while researching samurai traditions I was not able to resolve conflicts found in my literature search. My friend Fred Winston put me in touch with Kenny certain that he could assist. Ken was kind enough to not only get me the right information but he also put me in touch with the scholar on the relevant subject matter. Ken was a mensch. Ken and three others were killed when his twin-engine plane crashed in the Chicago suburbs Monday evening. He'll be missed.