By Callie Higgins, NIST and RadTech PAMA Committee Chair
It is with a heavy heart that we begin this new year remembering the incredible legacy of one of the photopolymer additive manufacturing community’s most cherished and impactful members, Ken Vessey. Ken was not just a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor and a voice of reason to so many in our industry. While his passing has left a void for so many of us, his legacy of kindness, passion and dedication continues to inspire us all. He was, in so many ways, the heart and soul of this field. My heart (and I’m sure our collective hearts) is broken for the life he still had to live and the friends and beautiful family he left in his tremendous wake. Others in the additive manufacturing space added their remembrances.
“Ken truly was one of the most welcoming souls in the additive manufacturing industry. His kindness and warmth made a lasting impact on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and everyone affected by this loss,” said Janet Kar, reflecting the sentiments of many who had the privilege of knowing Ken.
Ken’s journey in the AM industry was marked not only by his expertise but also by his remarkable ability to connect with people on a personal level. Olga Ivanova captured this beautifully: “Ken truly was a gentle and remarkable soul, and I am grateful for the time we spent together. The moments we shared will forever hold a special place in my heart. The tales of UL testing and beyond always will bring a smile to my face. Ken had a special gift for injecting humor into any moment, and his absence will be greatly missed.”
Ken’s influence extended far beyond his professional achievements. Paul Bates, in his heartfelt remembrance, shared, “We all have a ‘guy,’ our go-to expert in something. For me, it was my polymer guy, someone who was relatively new to additive manufacturing but drank the Kool-Aid with gusto. Many of you know him already, a classic New Yorker. He loved his First Robotics kids, and he called many of us ‘brother.’ If you know him, you saw how he loved and was very proud of his family. He dreamed of captaining his own sailboat in his retirement, with me crewing. So, I say this: I hope to see my pilot face-to-face when I have crossed the bar.”
Ken’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. John Thiell’s anecdote exemplified this: “I met Ken for the first time at AMUG 2023, and we instantly became friends. We both shared that dream of sailing and our passion for the AM industry. He persuaded me to join a small group at the hot tub, and I’m so glad I did. What fun we had! At AMUG 2024, he informed me of his illness. Not once did he express anything but optimism for both the industry and his journey forward. This spring in Chicago, I will make it my goal to gather a few hundred of your friends at the hotel hot tub to raise a toast to celebrate your enduring spirit and life. Godspeed, my friend. I’m certain you are sailing with the sun upon your smiling face.”
Ken’s contributions to the AM community were monumental. Stephanie Benight highlighted his pioneering work: “Ken was such a critical part of the certification and standards community around additive manufacturing. Particularly in the last few years, he initiated and led the UL 746P Standard Task Group relating to polymer AM. In a short period of time, Ken was able to gather industry leaders from a variety of different companies and from around the world to contribute to this Task Group, no doubt due to his likable personality and his vast amount of experience. He certainly will be missed.”
Shannon VanDeren summed up Ken’s essence succinctly: “The man with a big voice, a big laugh and a big heart. He impacted others BIG as well. His wisdom, joy and interest will be missed!” Emily DeSimone added, “Such a wonderful person with an even better laugh. Will miss him dearly.” Pradyumna Gupta reflected, “His commitment to both his work and his First Robotics kids is a testament to his character and dedication.”
As we bid farewell to Ken Vessey, let us remember the kindness, humor and passion he brought to our lives. The AM community has lost a titan, but we are all better for having known him. Ken, may you rest in peace and sail forever with the sun on your face.
