LATHROP -- Loyt L. Lathrop went to his rest Monday, November 20, 2006. Loyt, a 54-year resident of Albuquerque was 96 years old.

Loyt was born in Mound Valley, Kansas on October 20, 1910. His parents farmed there and later near Burlington, Kansas where Loyt grew up. Both of his parents were college graduates, highly unusual in those days.

Loyt graduated in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State Agricultural College (now Kansas State University) in Manhattan, Kansas. He was a life time member of the KSU Alumni Association and an active supporter. At KSU Loyt met Jennie Steiner again (they had met when both lived in Burlington). They were married while he was still in school and had 67 years together until her death in 2000.

Loyt graduated from college during the Depression and after a short stint back on the farm, finally got a job with an uncle who owned Industrial Heater Company in New York City. While at Industrial Heater, Loyt invented machines to make the process more automated.

During World War II, Loyt served in the US Navy. With his technical degree, he was assigned to teach Radar (a fairly new technology then) at the naval training facility at MIT. At the end of the War, Loyt retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

After the War, Loyt went to work for the Propeller Division of Curtis Wright in New Jersey.

His two children, Kenneth and Wendy were born there. The Lathrops moved from New Jersey to Albuquerque in 1952 where Loyt worked for Sandia National Laboratories. He worked as a Test Engineer until his retirement in 1974.

Loyt was an amateur radio operator. Some people who had contact with him during his nearly 70 years as a HAM may know him better by his call sign W5YSK. He coached Jennie to get her license as well and set up the equipment necessary for her to carry "phone patch traffic" so that the scientists and military personnel assigned in Greenland and Antarctica could talk to their families before the advent of cell phones and inexpensive long distance calls.

Loyt was always an active supporter of his communities. He was the first to volunteer for the work that needed to be done to make the community better. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Albuquerque from 1952 until his death and served as a board member and treasurer for many years. He always helped out with church activities and programs. Loyt took the positions of Cub Scout Cubmaster and Assistant scoutmaster while his son, Ken, was in those groups. He also was actively involved with his wife Jennie in seeing that her Girl Scout Troop didn't lack for anything. His kids and all the kids in the neighborhood benefited from his participation in these activities. Loyt never sought recognition for himself although he was occasionally honored for his work. In 1980 he received the Jefferson Award which honors people who are making major contributions to their communities but whose work is largely unrecognized.

Loyt spent many hours making custom furniture and special equipment for the special needs of the handicapped people at the Rehabilitation Center and Mark Twain Elementary School. He volunteered at Lovelace Medical Center for 18 years and was elected the first male president of the volunteers there. He helped many people and organizations succeed with his support, his presence, hands and money. He was the man who did the work in the background so that the organizations and people he supported would be successful.

Loyt was a quiet, kind, caring gentleman who was appreciated and loved by everyone he touched. He will be especially missed by his children, Wendy Manzo of Kentucky, Ken Lathrop of Mexico, his seven grandchildren Joe, Terri, David, Alisa, Jason, Nate and Kristen; and his four great-grandchildren. With the passing of Loyt Lathrop his communities have lost one of their strongest supporters and workers, a man who always did his duty for his country, community and family and went above and beyond. He has gone to a well deserved rest. Rest in Peace, Loyt.

A memorial service to celebrate Loyt's life will be held in the chapel of La Vida Llena retirement home (10501 Lagrima de Oro, NE) at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2006. All who knew Loyt are invited to attend