Kenneth Edwin Casey, age 58, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Kenneth, also known as “Ken” or “Kenny”, was the 3rd of 4 children born to Robinson (Lawrence) and Barbara Casey. The Casey family moved to Chicago in 1966 and once there, Kenny was immediately drawn to the Chicago skyscrapers, and at an early age gained an instant love for architecture.
Kenny attended Paul Cuffee and Cook Elementary schools. He, as well as his older brother and sister, attended Lindblom Technical High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a Bachelor of Architecture in Building Technology. While at UIC, he was active with Black Architecture Students for Excellence (now NOMAS – National Organization of Minority Architecture Students).
Kenny had many hobbies and loved activities at Foster Park such as wood shop and swimming. He spent many hours during his teen years in the basement playing rock music on his guitar. He loved playing tennis, golf and taking photos, a love that spread to both his parents. Kenny was a lover of jazz music and anyone that was in a car with him likely experienced this passion.
In 1996, through a friend, Ken met Nadene Chambers who would become the love of his life. They were married in May1998 and enjoyed 21 years of marriage. Ken and Nadene traveled all over the U.S. and abroad to destinations such as Australia, Italy, France, Spain, England, Switzerland, Canada but most notably, Hawaii. He loved Hawaii!
After his wife, Ken’s greatest love was architecture! We were always proud to drive by a building, firehouse or school that had been “touched” by Ken’s work in some form. Kenny was also an excellent host. Wherever his home was, there was always a great time with the annual Jamaican food tasting event – where his mother-in-law, Joan Chambers, cooked extensively. This event gave family and friends many years of laughter, good food and fond memories.
Ken was blessed to have a career that also showcased his exceptional skills and love for architecture. He began his career in Project Management and he gave back in many ways, most notably to the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Ken served NOMA in many roles over 30 years. Ken later realized a dream of entrepreneurship and ownership starting his own company, KASIdesigns, in 1998. He was the President/Managing Principal, Architect for over 21 years. But because Ken had such a kind, gentle and generous spirit he used that platform to unselfishly touch many lives through networking, mentoring, friendship, and encouraging others to start their own businesses.
Ken made his transition on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019. His parents Robinson and Barbara Casey, and his sister Robin Marie Casey preceded him in death.
Left to cherish great memories of Ken and continue his legacy are his wife Nadene Chambers of Fort Lauderdale, FL; brother Michael Casey of Chicago, IL; sisters Angela Carter-Gaines of Houston, TX and Deborah Casey of Memphis, TN; mother-in-law Joan Chambers of Brooklyn, NY; sisters-in-law Claudia, Odette and Sandrian Chambers, and Andrea Feely; aunts and uncle Jacqueline Jackson and Dorothy Casey, Janie Walker, Fred Crawford; nieces & nephews Monet Casey, Anthony II and Andrew Gaines, Paige Davis, Brittany and Tahj Walsh; 5 great nieces & nephews and a host of cousins, dear friends and colleagues.
