Business Owner and Former Chamber Leader Passes Away

Sherman Oaks business owner and former chamber leader Ken “Kenny” Gerston died Sept. 1 following a fall that resulted in brain damage. He was 55. Gerston served as board chairman for the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1996. He also formerly served as president of the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce and of the Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council. He also formerly ran for a 5th District seat on the Los Angeles City Council and served other organizations, including the Mid-Valley Community Police Council, Circle of Care Foundation and the Los Angeles Community Leadership Board. Gerston was owner of a Sherman Oaks-based management consulting company Ubiquitous, Inc., and also ran a water bottle business, said Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, CEO of Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce. He was also a former owner of Continental Coin and Jewelry Co. in Van Nuys. Gerston was dedicated to his volunteer work, Vanyek said. “Over the years, if he was committed to something, he always came through,” Vanyek said. “In the volunteer community, that’s a wonderful gift.” A Celebration of Life for Gerston takes place Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the grand ballroom at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood.