From Bob Furlong

Right off the bat, the most succinct thing I can share is probably just how Ken and I became friends, because I think it's pretty typical of the way he was. I was brand new at CR in 10th grade (Ken was in 9th) because my family moved across town to a house that was just a couple of blocks from the high school. So, just being from the rival cross-town school, I felt like I had all the friends I needed, and I wasn't exactly in an outgoing mood. I don't think I was there for more than a couple days before Laughing Boy noticed an outsider making his way through the halls and not really talking to anyone. I don't remember exactly what he said the first time he came up to me, but I can imagine it was something like, "Hey, you're not from here," with the mock-serious furrowed brow. I do remember that I didn't say much back to him except the very minimum, answering a couple questions and dashing away as soon as I saw daylight. For whatever reason, though, Ken still approached me every time we were in the same space at the same time, and it wasn't long before I was added to the list of characters from all walks of life that I understand Ken brought into the Spengler house over the years. I don't remember any process of getting to know him after the first couple of times he talked to me, it's just like we were instant friends, and he was one of the best friends I've ever had.