Longtime Yuma Realtors exec mourned
by Joyce Lobeck, Sun Staff Writer
The Yuma real estate industry is mourning the loss of good friend Ken Motta, longtime chief executive officer of Yuma Association of Realtors.
Motta died Saturday due to complications from pneumonia.
"I'm so shocked and saddened by this," said Realtor Carol Engler, who recalled selling real estate with Motta about 30 years ago.
"He was the most gentle, kind person you would ever meet. I wish I had told him more often how much I appreciated him. He kept 300 Realtors happy. That's a miracle, and he did it with grace and charm."
Others who knew Motta offered similar sentiments.
"He was my best friend," said Bill Lutes, who first met Motta in 1965 during a trip to New Orleans. "His death certainly leaves a void in my life."
Kenneth George Motta was born to Anthony and Mary Motta in Fall River, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1933. He attended high school and college in Fall River, then joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany.
After returning to the U.S., he moved to New York City as an account executive at Lennen & Newell, a large advertising firm. He later transferred to Los Angeles and worked there until 1972 when Lennen & Newell closed its California offices.
For a while Motta worked for the Crippled Children's Society in Los Angeles before moving in about 1975 to Yuma, where he already had a number of friends, Lutes said.
Motta worked with Lutes for a short time. He then operated the Turquoise Tradition, an Indian jewelry shop, first at what used to be the Tip-Top diner, then later at the Stardust Hotel and finally in downtown Yuma across the street from Lutes Casino.
His next career move was into real estate in 1985, first with Westinvest Realty then Barbara Kehl Realty. He was the president of Yuma Association of Realtors in 1992 and 1993, then served as the organization's CEO until his death.
In that position, Motta frequently traveled, accompanying association officers to numerous state and national meetings, conferences and conventions. He also was considered an invaluable resource for association officers and directors, guiding them during their terms in office.
"He was so knowledgeable," said Realtor Shelley Ostrowski, who served as president in 2005. "He was a staple in the real estate business for years. He's the one who probably showed me the most about the government side of being a Realtor."
As president-elect of the association, Diana Bingham was looking forward to Motta helping guide her through her term in office. "His knowledge, his wonderful personality, the contacts he's made over the years we've benefited from."
Now he won't be there. "It will be tough," she said.
Realtor Sandi Griffin said that Motta was an excellent cook. One time, she recalled, he invited her to dinner and he had created meat loaf en croute (wrapped in pastry) from some leftover meat loaf he had in his refrigerator. "It was absolutely delicious."
Motta also was an excellent interior designer, Griffin said, recalling the time he rearranged her furniture. "It looked 10 times better and it was the same stuff."
He leaves behind a brother and his family and partner Adam Gage. A memorial celebration/open house is planned for Saturday afternoon at Motta's home. For details, call the association office at 782-1628.
The Yuma Sun 06 DEC 2011
by Joyce Lobeck, Sun Staff Writer
The Yuma real estate industry is mourning the loss of good friend Ken Motta, longtime chief executive officer of Yuma Association of Realtors.
Motta died Saturday due to complications from pneumonia.
"I'm so shocked and saddened by this," said Realtor Carol Engler, who recalled selling real estate with Motta about 30 years ago.
"He was the most gentle, kind person you would ever meet. I wish I had told him more often how much I appreciated him. He kept 300 Realtors happy. That's a miracle, and he did it with grace and charm."
Others who knew Motta offered similar sentiments.
"He was my best friend," said Bill Lutes, who first met Motta in 1965 during a trip to New Orleans. "His death certainly leaves a void in my life."
Kenneth George Motta was born to Anthony and Mary Motta in Fall River, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1933. He attended high school and college in Fall River, then joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany.
After returning to the U.S., he moved to New York City as an account executive at Lennen & Newell, a large advertising firm. He later transferred to Los Angeles and worked there until 1972 when Lennen & Newell closed its California offices.
For a while Motta worked for the Crippled Children's Society in Los Angeles before moving in about 1975 to Yuma, where he already had a number of friends, Lutes said.
Motta worked with Lutes for a short time. He then operated the Turquoise Tradition, an Indian jewelry shop, first at what used to be the Tip-Top diner, then later at the Stardust Hotel and finally in downtown Yuma across the street from Lutes Casino.
His next career move was into real estate in 1985, first with Westinvest Realty then Barbara Kehl Realty. He was the president of Yuma Association of Realtors in 1992 and 1993, then served as the organization's CEO until his death.
In that position, Motta frequently traveled, accompanying association officers to numerous state and national meetings, conferences and conventions. He also was considered an invaluable resource for association officers and directors, guiding them during their terms in office.
"He was so knowledgeable," said Realtor Shelley Ostrowski, who served as president in 2005. "He was a staple in the real estate business for years. He's the one who probably showed me the most about the government side of being a Realtor."
As president-elect of the association, Diana Bingham was looking forward to Motta helping guide her through her term in office. "His knowledge, his wonderful personality, the contacts he's made over the years we've benefited from."
Now he won't be there. "It will be tough," she said.
Realtor Sandi Griffin said that Motta was an excellent cook. One time, she recalled, he invited her to dinner and he had created meat loaf en croute (wrapped in pastry) from some leftover meat loaf he had in his refrigerator. "It was absolutely delicious."
Motta also was an excellent interior designer, Griffin said, recalling the time he rearranged her furniture. "It looked 10 times better and it was the same stuff."
He leaves behind a brother and his family and partner Adam Gage. A memorial celebration/open house is planned for Saturday afternoon at Motta's home. For details, call the association office at 782-1628.
The Yuma Sun 06 DEC 2011
Longtime Yuma Realtors exec mourned
by Joyce Lobeck, Sun Staff Writer
The Yuma real estate industry is mourning the loss of good friend Ken Motta, longtime chief executive officer of Yuma Association of Realtors.
Motta died Saturday due to complications from pneumonia.
"I'm so shocked and saddened by this," said Realtor Carol Engler, who recalled selling real estate with Motta about 30 years ago.
"He was the most gentle, kind person you would ever meet. I wish I had told him more often how much I appreciated him. He kept 300 Realtors happy. That's a miracle, and he did it with grace and charm."
Others who knew Motta offered similar sentiments.
"He was my best friend," said Bill Lutes, who first met Motta in 1965 during a trip to New Orleans. "His death certainly leaves a void in my life."
Kenneth George Motta was born to Anthony and Mary Motta in Fall River, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1933. He attended high school and college in Fall River, then joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany.
After returning to the U.S., he moved to New York City as an account executive at Lennen & Newell, a large advertising firm. He later transferred to Los Angeles and worked there until 1972 when Lennen & Newell closed its California offices.
For a while Motta worked for the Crippled Children's Society in Los Angeles before moving in about 1975 to Yuma, where he already had a number of friends, Lutes said.
Motta worked with Lutes for a short time. He then operated the Turquoise Tradition, an Indian jewelry shop, first at what used to be the Tip-Top diner, then later at the Stardust Hotel and finally in downtown Yuma across the street from Lutes Casino.
His next career move was into real estate in 1985, first with Westinvest Realty then Barbara Kehl Realty. He was the president of Yuma Association of Realtors in 1992 and 1993, then served as the organization's CEO until his death.
In that position, Motta frequently traveled, accompanying association officers to numerous state and national meetings, conferences and conventions. He also was considered an invaluable resource for association officers and directors, guiding them during their terms in office.
"He was so knowledgeable," said Realtor Shelley Ostrowski, who served as president in 2005. "He was a staple in the real estate business for years. He's the one who probably showed me the most about the government side of being a Realtor."
As president-elect of the association, Diana Bingham was looking forward to Motta helping guide her through her term in office. "His knowledge, his wonderful personality, the contacts he's made over the years we've benefited from."
Now he won't be there. "It will be tough," she said.
Realtor Sandi Griffin said that Motta was an excellent cook. One time, she recalled, he invited her to dinner and he had created meat loaf en croute (wrapped in pastry) from some leftover meat loaf he had in his refrigerator. "It was absolutely delicious."
Motta also was an excellent interior designer, Griffin said, recalling the time he rearranged her furniture. "It looked 10 times better and it was the same stuff."
He leaves behind a brother and his family and partner Adam Gage. A memorial celebration/open house is planned for Saturday afternoon at Motta's home. For details, call the association office at 782-1628.
The Yuma Sun 06 DEC 2011
by Joyce Lobeck, Sun Staff Writer
The Yuma real estate industry is mourning the loss of good friend Ken Motta, longtime chief executive officer of Yuma Association of Realtors.
Motta died Saturday due to complications from pneumonia.
"I'm so shocked and saddened by this," said Realtor Carol Engler, who recalled selling real estate with Motta about 30 years ago.
"He was the most gentle, kind person you would ever meet. I wish I had told him more often how much I appreciated him. He kept 300 Realtors happy. That's a miracle, and he did it with grace and charm."
Others who knew Motta offered similar sentiments.
"He was my best friend," said Bill Lutes, who first met Motta in 1965 during a trip to New Orleans. "His death certainly leaves a void in my life."
Kenneth George Motta was born to Anthony and Mary Motta in Fall River, Mass., on Oct. 31, 1933. He attended high school and college in Fall River, then joined the Army in 1953 and was stationed in Germany.
After returning to the U.S., he moved to New York City as an account executive at Lennen & Newell, a large advertising firm. He later transferred to Los Angeles and worked there until 1972 when Lennen & Newell closed its California offices.
For a while Motta worked for the Crippled Children's Society in Los Angeles before moving in about 1975 to Yuma, where he already had a number of friends, Lutes said.
Motta worked with Lutes for a short time. He then operated the Turquoise Tradition, an Indian jewelry shop, first at what used to be the Tip-Top diner, then later at the Stardust Hotel and finally in downtown Yuma across the street from Lutes Casino.
His next career move was into real estate in 1985, first with Westinvest Realty then Barbara Kehl Realty. He was the president of Yuma Association of Realtors in 1992 and 1993, then served as the organization's CEO until his death.
In that position, Motta frequently traveled, accompanying association officers to numerous state and national meetings, conferences and conventions. He also was considered an invaluable resource for association officers and directors, guiding them during their terms in office.
"He was so knowledgeable," said Realtor Shelley Ostrowski, who served as president in 2005. "He was a staple in the real estate business for years. He's the one who probably showed me the most about the government side of being a Realtor."
As president-elect of the association, Diana Bingham was looking forward to Motta helping guide her through her term in office. "His knowledge, his wonderful personality, the contacts he's made over the years we've benefited from."
Now he won't be there. "It will be tough," she said.
Realtor Sandi Griffin said that Motta was an excellent cook. One time, she recalled, he invited her to dinner and he had created meat loaf en croute (wrapped in pastry) from some leftover meat loaf he had in his refrigerator. "It was absolutely delicious."
Motta also was an excellent interior designer, Griffin said, recalling the time he rearranged her furniture. "It looked 10 times better and it was the same stuff."
He leaves behind a brother and his family and partner Adam Gage. A memorial celebration/open house is planned for Saturday afternoon at Motta's home. For details, call the association office at 782-1628.
The Yuma Sun 06 DEC 2011
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