KEN WEISNER, 65, founder and owner of Victory Ranch Alpacas in Mora, NM died September 27, 2007, in Illinois.
Ken fought Multiple Myloma (cancer of the bone marrow) for three years and won the battle. He was cancer
free for more than a year when he got a bacterial infection in his blood that was resistant to antibiotics. His
entire family was with him when he died.The funeral took place in Chicago.
He followed his dream to go west and settled in Mora, New Mexico, more than 17 years ago.
Ken and his wife, Carol, were pioneers in the alpaca business starting with a small herd and building it to one of the
largest in the Southwest. Their alpacas have won numerous champion prize ribbons, and alpacas from Victory Ranch
have gone on to become and breed champions throughout the United States. Ken was proud that a south-side boy from
Chicago, with no livestock experience, could become a real cowboy with a successful alpaca ranch.
Ken was a true visionary. Victory Ranch Alpacas was the first vertical operation where alpacas are bred and sheared,
their fiber spun into yarn and made into garments that are sold in the ranch store. It is the only vertical alpaca operation
that is open seven days a week to the public.
Ken also owned and operated Victory Auto Wreckers in Bensenville, Illinois, for 40 years.
The television commercial he created for Victory Auto Wreckers has become an icon in the Chicago area.
Ken and Carol's daughter, Darcy, took over management of the ranch several years ago and will continue to
manage the ranch,. Ken is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; daughter, Darcy; son Kyle (and Lisa nee Kuppersmith);
son Seth (Andrea nee Padilla); and three grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, and Cayla.
Ken loved his life in New Mexico and his many friends. His family loved him dearly and considered him their superhero.
