Final Salute

September 18, 1943 – April 18, 2026

Kenneth R. Weakley, Vietnam veteran, nationally recognized leader in electrical contracting and integral member of the Truckee community, passed on April 18, 2026. Known for his kindness and good humor, he was always happy to drive you to the airport at any hour, help with a difficult construction project or turn a complete stranger into his “new best friend” by striking up a conversation.
Born in New London, Connecticut in 1943, Ken moved with his grandparents Otto and Anna Loesch and aunt, Louise Loesch to Burbank, California where he lead an idyllic childhood riding his bike through great swaths of the Los Angeles area but always returning home in time for dinner. At age 12 he moved to Oakland, CA with his mother and stepfather, Ethel and Ron Weakley where he joined the sea scouts, taking many trips up the Sacramento River and learning to sail on Lake Merritt. He also continued his hobby of building model airplanes for control line combat matches with friends in Frank Yuell Field.
One summer he took a job on a fishing boat during salmon season, traveling from Oakland to Bodega Bay and selling what he caught. Ken would go on to graduate from Oakland High School in 1961, and entered the apprenticeship for electrical workers. His stepfather, Ron Weakley, was a labor organizer and the founder of IBEW 1245 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) in the East Bay.
By 1965 John Fry, a childhood friend also from Oakland, had started racing motorcycles and recruited Ken to join him. For the next four years he would travel the United States competing as an amateur first than as a pro, often making the podium, and miraculously never breaking a bone in a fall or tussle for first place.
When Ken was drafted in 1970 he already had years of experience as a journeyman electrician. He subsequently enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Construction Battalion (Seabees). During the Vietnam War he was tasked with maintaining the power supply on military bases including Phu Bai near Hue.
After his service he met his future wife, Lynne, in Oakland in 1973. Not long after, they relocated to the mountains, first in Tahoe Park but eventually settling in Truckee for over 50 years. During that time Ken started his own business, Mountain Electric, and was instrumental in building out the infrastructure of the Tahoe Basin, wiring many of the new water treatment facilities during the 70s and 80s. Because of his expertise as an electrician, he was nominated and selected to serve on the National Electrical Code panel from 1999-2008.
Upon retiring, Ken had time to devote to his other passions. Playing golf chief among them, but also woodworking, skate skiing in the winter, traveling abroad, and a weekly round table of discussion and storytelling with friends at Wild Cherries dubbed “The Hebdomadal.” He acquired many valuable woodworking tools during this time that have been donated to the Truckee High School wood shop according to his wishes. He often remarked that wood shop was his favorite class during high school.
Ken is survived by his wife Lynne Weakley, children Jeanne Davies son-in-law Robert Davies, Eric Weakley daughter-in-law Lindsay Weakley, and Elyse Weakley, grandchildren Alex Diaz, Owen Weakley and Mason Weakley. A celebration of life will be held 2:00 PM July 11 at 11655 Mount Rose View Dr.