BelWood Bakery Mourns the Death of Family

closed early on Thursday and all day Friday so that the staff of the family-owned and operated Brentwood business could mourn the death of a loved one, Ken Tran.

After hearing the news of Ken's death from a community member who suggested I write an obituary for him and his family, I wanted to find out more about him from customers.

I stood outside of the bakery Friday afternoon and stopped people as they attempted to walk into the closed business.

"I was out of the country and just came back and I ... came by to pick up a sandwich and just noticed the sign on the door," said Brentwood resident Cassie Maguire. "I'm sad for the family and send my condolences."

For Ash Zaky, owner of Brent-Air Pharmacy down the street, Ken's death was shocking. Zaky and all his employees would often visit Belwood for lunch.

"He was a very fine man," said Zaky. "He was very kind, friendly, smiles all the time and it's very sad to see him go."

Philip Mayor hasn't been coming to Belwood for long, but he loves the bakery for its authentic French croissants.

"And the people who work here are very, very nice and I'm just very troubled to hear about the loss," said Mayor. "I'm sure I've met Ken, but I'd just like to find out more about what happened to him. It's very sad."

I wanted to know more as well. After talking with several saddened customers, I tried contacting the family. I reached out to several family members through Facebook, only to realize later that I had used the name Kevin instead of Ken.

I called the bakery Saturday morning and mentioned that I'd like to write "Kevin's" obituary, only to be told that "It's Ken, Ken."

I'm not embarrassed now in stating publicly that I made a mistake. In fact, I feel obligated. I literally turned red when I realized that I had Ken's name wrong on several occasions.

To make such a mistake is careless and disrespectful and I apologize.

I again want to offer my deepest apologies and sincerest condolences to the family of Ken Tran and still extend my offer of writing about his life for the family and for those community members that knew him.

Please leave your condolences for the Ken Tran family here in the comments.