The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Such sad news. Nothing I can add that others have not said, but the evidence is abundant in terms of what Ken clearly added to the community and to those he came into contact with.

My thoughts are with all of his family, especially one of his sons who I know well. A very sad day.

When myself and Martin Atkinson started South Rushden JFC in 2001, it was Ken that first gave us help and support. He always attended our end of season presentations. He reffed our homes games for a number of years, and when he decided to hang up his whistle, we presented him with a momento before the final game to thank him for his service. He was a bit overwhelmed i think, because it was unexpected. Later,at a time when refs were thin on the ground, he got his Acme Thunderer out once more and carried on.
Over the next few days, we will doubtless be hearing further stories of which we were previously unaware, and they`ll all be about a man who loved his football, and was prepared to spend vast amounts of time in lending his commitment and enthusiasm to not only his favourite club, but to all levels of the game in the district.
The local football "family" will be poorer for his passing, and I for one, am pleased to have known him.
Thanks Ken.
Rest in Peace.

I would like to offer my own sentiments to those previously offered. Ken was a real Diamond who I am so pleased to have known. I offer my sincere condolences to Lynn and the rest of his family.
RIP Ken - you will always be remembered.

R.I.P Ken.

My thoughts are with his family at this time.

Ken is being laid to rest this morning. My thoughts are with his family and friends :(

Just back from the Crem. There were so many people there that we had difficulty finding anywhere to park. I stood with Dave Albon and Chas, in the doorway as there were so many people there (including a rare sighting of Roger Ashby). Sang Abide with Me, listened to You`re the Best Thing That Ever Happened by Gladys Knight and the Pips, and an excellent speech by his three sons which was amusing and moving in equal measure. The final piece of music was rather fitting, Python`s "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from Life of Brian, which gave a lovely send off, for a lovely man.
RIP Ken.

It was a very fitting send off, and was heart warming to see so many people in attendance. The speech given by his sons was amazing, and I don't think I could have remained as strong as they did in the same situation.

Rest in peace, Ken.

I had hoped to get there myself, I was actually just down the road from the crematorium in Kielder Path, unfortunately work got in the way and I couldn't get away in time.

I know from personal experience how hard it is to talk about a loved one in those circumstances, so much respect to his lads for that, Ken would have been proud.

Hopefully the directions I gave to Glenis got her there okay?

Yes Jim your directions got us there safe and sound. Darren, Mal, Rachel, Judith and myself managed to get a seat. It was a lovely service and a great way to send off such a very special man. His friend from Northern Ireland stopped me on the way out and held my AFC R&D scarf and said that Ken had told him all about both R&D and AFC R&D and his passion for both clubs. I told him I was a volunteer and that I would be fighting all the way to ensure that AFC R&D never dies. Ken really was a true Diamond and now he can tell our other true Diamond, Dale all about our exploits. Ken and Dale R.I.P.
You are both sorely missed.

Thank you for sharing that with us.