Southern California Desert Video Astronomers
Our Friends Remembered
He was a community man who got involved in many social ongoing's and spoke for causes he knew important and meaningful. The wellness of community meant everything to Orv as he strived as an individual to achieve goals that helped the common good and spurred others to greater success. With his wit and charm, he sought the kind approach while learning from his mistakes with personal observation and insight.
Orv loved the night sky and was an active member of the Andromeda Astronomical Society where he gained much esteem with his thoughtful manner. He was well read in the subject of astronomy and astrology and often gave presentations that were filled with anecdotes and lessor known facts that embellished on the subject in ways that made his work special. He was a natural born teacher and found reaching out to people with his knowledge an easy thing to do. His support for SCDVA was immense. He reflected once that the future of amateur astronomy and the effort that connected mankind to the depths of the unknown was at hand with the technology we use. He was sure that the work we do would change the world in a positive way and said once "count me in! I want to be a part of this". And, he was! Though, truly a bigger part than he realized!
Since our world is so small in the great expanse of the universe, it is easy to feel insignificant. Orv Hunter saw things differently. He said he thought that we were exactly the opposite. That we were the most significant beings in the universe and felt we should strive to reach our potential with the great gifts we have. His life was lived this way and he shared his best with everyone. Known far and wide as "Orion Man" because "Orion is a Hunter", he knew he was connected to the meaning of everything. Now, his spirit is in the deeds of his past and in all of us who knew him and loved him. For us to keep and to share. Goodbye, Orv......you will be missed and well remembered!
Rick Unger was a man of style and many talents. His early success as a professional musician and later as an accomplished artist gave him a background and foundation that allowed him to achieve anything he set his mind to.
Rick was a visionary who could find humor harmonizing with stark sarcasm in a friendly realization of the stupidity of a situation. Particularly in politics and waste of public resources that often inspired his mood in his paintings.
His love for sci-fi and space stuff that reflected the deco-retro interests he collected only hinted at the appreciation he had for life.
As the winner of the Los Angeles "Big Labowski Fest" look-a like contest in 2009, Rick was truly the "DUDE" and he lived the part as naturally as Jeff Bridges portrayed the caricature in the movie.
Rick was the "Dude". In astronomy, he had a technical skill that gave him the edge in that subject, as well. His observatory in Johnson Valley, CA, was filled with the gear that makes amateur astronomers strong contenders for great discovery. He loved the night sky and spent a lot of time under the stars of the California desert. We will miss Rick.
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Ken Keller
Ken Keller was a founding member of SCDVA. He was a regular hard working guy with great talent and appreciation for science and art and was an accomplished artist and amateur astronomer.
He had a passion for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the wonders of the night sky and promoted dark sky awareness. He gave financial assistance to many charitable causes that he supported and loved the high desert where he made his home.
His family was at the forefront of his endeavors and he spent a lot of time with his grandchildren, guiding them through many adventures that he knew kids loved.
His dry humor picked at the truth and often caused many to think beyond simple ramblings and doldrums. He was known to be honest to a fault and had hopes that the world would "wise up" but had his doubts. To have known Ken was something that never can be forgotten as his smile and kind side would be there at surprising times when it often mattered most.
There is little more to say than he will be truly missed.
