Bayard was born on April 8th, 1932 in El Centro, California to Bayard Siemon Rehkopf and Geraldine Whitney Rehkopf. He grew up with his younger brother Gerald. At the young age of 17, Bayard joined the United States Navy. From 1949 to 1953 Bayard went to Guam and Korea on the USS Iowa BB-61. During his time in the navy, he received a Bronze Star Medal.
When Bayard returned from the U.S. Navy, he came a knocking at Kae’s door. After dating for two years, he married Utahna Kae Rollins on June 19th, 1955 in Jacumba, California. They had four children all born in San Diego, California, Bayard J. Rehkopf Jr., Katherine A. Rehkopf (Kuczon), Donald R. Rehkopf, and Kenneth R. Rehkopf.
Bayard spent 18 years as an Electronics Tech and Test Engineer on the Space Systems at Teledyne Ryan. He worked on the Surveyor Landing radar systems and later on the Apollo Lunar Module Landing radar system. He also worked for General Dynamic’s, Stromberg Carlson, Huge Electronics in Oceanside, General Dynamics Convair Sycamore Canyon Static Test site testing the Atlas and Center Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Bayard later went to work for San Diego State University. In 1979 he got his Bachelors in Industrial Arts and Technology from San Diego State University and did his Post Graduate work in Civil Engineering. He retired from the Civil Engineering Department at San Diego State University after 31 years.
One of Bayard’s favorite hobbies was amateur radio. He held a Commercial First Class License and his Ham Radio License Advanced Class call was K6GAO. In May 2004, Bayard began volunteering on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. He spent many hours working on the restoration of the aircraft carrier. When the USS Midway opened to the public, he continued working on the restoration and also served on the Safety Team, the Education Team, the Radio Team, and Damage Control Team. Bayard loved to take vacations with his wife Kae, his kids, and his grandkids. They went on many cruises. They went on the Pacific Panama Canal Cruise, to Guatemala, to Nicaragua, to Costa Rica, and to Acapulco just to name a few. Bayard’s vacations were always educational.
Bayard is survived by his wife, Utahna Kae; his children, Bayard J. Jr., Katherine A., Donald R., Kenneth R., and six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
There will be a graveside memorial service at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122 on Friday, April 7th at 1:1
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