Kenji ("Ken") Allen Kato, 92, of Los Angeles, died peacefully on July 22, 2025, survived by his wife of 61 years, Yukiko, his sons, Dean and Douglas, and grandchildren, Kai, Sophie and Keala.   He was the youngest son of Sasaichi and Toshiko Kato, and brother of Roy. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, but like many in his generation, was forced to move with his family to Heart Mountain Internment Camp, before returning to Los Angeles.

Ken served in the US Army as a Staff Sargent before completing his undergraduate degree in engineering at California State University, LA.  He worked as an aeronautics/aerospace engineer for over fifty years until his retirement at age 82.   Over his long career, he worked on a "greatest hits" list of iconic airplanes and spacecraft, including the 747, the Concorde, the Apollo missions, and the Space Shuttle.

Ken gave back to his community as a Kendo sensei at Long Beach Kendo Dojo, and mentored many young people there, and at the Long Beach Japanese Community Center. He enjoyed travel, particularly to Japan, and cooking, both on his own, and with his wife (he was a master of the BBQ and the All-American Breakfast).  He also loved tending to his beautiful Japanese garden, ideally while listening to his Dodgers play.

His family and friends will celebrate his life and his faith at services at Gardena Valley Baptist Church on Saturday, August 16th, at 10:00 a.m.