When Kenny Standhardt and Mark Turner met in Eugene, Oregon, their histories were completely different. Kenny grew up on a working Pennsylvania Dutch farm outside of Philadelphia. Mark grew up in Santa Monica. Nevertheless, the two were surprisingly alike, enjoying most of the same things, like the same movies, the same foods, and the same jokes.
Mark’s mother lived next door to them in Eugene, but she eventually moved to Cascade Manor, a nearby Life Plan Community. Kenny and Mark were amazed by Cascade Manor’s enrichment opportunities and spectrum of care. They enjoyed getting to know many of Mark’s mother’s new neighbors, some of whom taught them to play Rummikub, which is now their favorite game. It was then that they decided they wanted to live in the same kind of rich environment themselves someday.
Kenny has been a professional potter for almost 30 years, having fallen in love with pottery at a very young age. He maintains a studio and gallery at their home in San Luis Obispo, although he will retire before they move to Villaggio. Mark’s career was in college office administration, first at Santa Monica College, then at Cal Poly in the 1980s, and then at the University of Oregon until he retired.
Kenny’s interests include gardening, hiking and all things made by hand, so he looks forward to the camaraderie of the Villaggio community gardens and the art and craft center. Mark likes to walk, especially around town. He is often at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in downtown SLO, volunteering for one thing or another.
Kenny and Mark were married in 2004. They have two children: a son who was born in San Luis Obispo but now lives in Seattle, and a daughter who lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.