Thread: ken - R.I.P. Board: Glory / Ship of Fools.
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Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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Many apologies if this isn't the right place for me to have put this, or...whatever. I've been putting off posting this full stop, but I suspect that today is the time.
My beloved father - ken, known to so many of you as the Ship's second most prolific poster - is grievously ill. As many of you will know, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December and things have progressed significantly since then.
Over today and yesterday things have deteriorated to the point that I feel quite strongly that if you would like to come, please do come now.[Hospital and room location removed](It may be that I was not supposed to post such specific details; if so and the hosts edit them out, please PM me for them and I will let you know where to find us.)
We're looking at a few short weeks, perhaps mere days. I don't know for sure how things will pan out, and God willing we are soon to move to a hospice. I will of course let people know - perhaps on this thread - the details of that once they are set in stone.
Otherwise, your prayers and thoughts are so very much appreciated. I'm sorry I don't have the right words to do this message justice. Dad has given so much, both here and elsewhere, that telling people about the current state of affairs is almost more difficult than I can bear.
[ 19. May 2014, 08:35: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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Oh, no. ![[Votive]](graemlins/votive.gif)
Thank you so much for telling us, Persephone. I can't imagine what you are going through.
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on
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I've just spotted this and I'm lost for words. I'm desperate for you and ken. I can't get up there but pass my love and prayers on to him.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
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All I got is swear words and tears right now.
Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on
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for you and your father.
We had a few spars on some boards, but he very much reminded me of what I call a good old-fashioned evangelical of the school which was so dominant in Sydney as I grew up: liturgy in accordance with the 1662 BCP, dignified if simple vesting. and thoroughly in accord with a valid Anglican tradition. May God be with you at this terrible time.
Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on
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Oh,no. Oh so sorry to hear that. Prayers for all.
Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on
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Holding you both in the Light.
Posted by W Hyatt (# 14250) on
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I always appreciated ken's point of view and how he expressed it. I will really miss his contributions to the Ship.
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on
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My prayers....
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on
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I still can't quite believe it.
Sending you and your dad love from down here x
Posted by Alwyn (# 4380) on
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Prayers for all
Posted by comet (# 10353) on
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tell him we love him, Persephone. Tell him we're there in spirit with him right now. and with you. You have our hearts, dear girl.
Posted by Grits (# 4169) on
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I am so, so sorry to hear this. I have always enjoyed ken's posts and opinions so much. Please tell him we are all praying for him and sending him our love.
Posted by Amos (# 44) on
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Oh no. Persephone, I am so sorry. I've always wanted to meet your dad, and never went down to London for a Shipmeet. If he's receiving visitors, I'd like to pay him a visit.
Posted by Grits (# 4169) on
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Persephone, your PM box is full. I was wondering if you could share a mailing address for your dad. I'd love to send him a card. You can message me if needed. Thanks!
Posted by M. (# 3291) on
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I knew he was ill but am so sorry to hear this, Persephone. I don't know quite what to write at the moment.
My and Macarius' prayers and thoughts are with you both always.
We've had some good chats in the pub.
M.
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on
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Oh Persephone, I'm so sorry.
for your Dad, and for you
[ 17. May 2014, 05:48: Message edited by: Kitten ]
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
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Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Grits:
Persephone, your PM box is full. I was wondering if you could share a mailing address for your dad. I'd love to send him a card. You can message me if needed. Thanks!
Have PM'd you.
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on
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Same here busyknitter if that's ok?
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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Grits, your PM box is full.
Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on
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Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on
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Persephone and busyknotter and ken and all who love him
Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on
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for ken and all his friends and family.
Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on
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Words cannot express.
He had hinted that he was ill, but I never expected this.
So glad I made the effort once to attend a London meet, so met Ken, a kind of hero figure for me.
The Ship won't be the same place at all.
Prayers for all the family.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
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ken, his family and his friends.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
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This is a blow most grievous. I can only pass on my fondest regards, deepest sympathies and most heartfelt prayers to you both.
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on
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Such sad news. So sorry for you & your family.
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
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So sorry to hear this news. Prayers for ken, and all his family.
Posted by seasick (# 48) on
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ken
Posted by Chocoholic (# 4655) on
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Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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Last time I saw him he was still very upbeat and positive about the whole thing. So sad to hear how quickly this has developed.
I'll try and get in over the weekend.
Posted by FooloftheShip (# 15579) on
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Comfort, strength and healing for all concerned. Not recovery, sadly, but healing.
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on
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Oh, my. I have no words. May God's love surround you all.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Spike:
Last time I saw him he was still very upbeat and positive about the whole thing. So sad to hear how quickly this has developed.
I'll try and get in over the weekend.
Ken has shown nothing but remarkable determination to fight this dreadful disease. Only a few days ago he was quoting Deuteronomy 30:19-20 at me.
Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on
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quote:
Originally posted by comet:
tell him we love him, Persephone. Tell him we're there in spirit with him right now. and with you. You have our hearts, dear girl.
This. Please, Persephone, assure him - and be assured yourself - of our most heartfelt prayers.
Posted by Ann (# 94) on
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So sorry to hear it. Love and prayers for Ken and his family.
Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on
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Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on
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![[Tear]](graemlins/tear.gif)
Posted by Melangell (# 4023) on
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ken, Persephone and busyknitter
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on
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Very sorry to hear this. I wish him peace of mind and ease of body.
Posted by chive (# 208) on
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I am so sorry. I don't have anything intelligent or helpful to say except may God be with you all.
Posted by Ariel (# 58) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Firenze:
Very sorry to hear this. I wish him peace of mind and ease of body.
Yes, from me too.
Posted by M. (# 3291) on
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Busyknitter, could you pm me the details too?
Thanks.
M.
Posted by Lucia (# 15201) on
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For Ken, his family and friends.
Posted by Karl: Liberal Backslider (# 76) on
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I had no idea.
One of the greats.
Posted by lilBuddha (# 14333) on
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Posted by Jenn. (# 5239) on
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So sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you all x
Posted by shamwari (# 15556) on
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Posted by Niminypiminy (# 15489) on
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Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on
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I had no idea - love and prayers for ken and family, and God give you all strength and comfort
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on
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Thanks for telling us Persephone, my prayers and thoughts are with him, you and Busyknitter.
May God hold you hands as you walk through this time
May you all hear the whispers of his breath as he draws close
And in God's coming close may you be surrounded with love.
Jengie
Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on
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Please give my very best wishes. If he needs any books, just ask.
Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on
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I've never seen a post by ken that wasn't worth reading.
Prayers.
Posted by Late Paul (# 37) on
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So sorry to hear this.
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on
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You have prayers from me and from Hugal too. Can't even begin to fathom how you must be feeling.
Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on
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One of the few Shippies I've met in RL, albeit briefly. Sadness.
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on
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I was thinking about him this morning and am saddened by this news.
May God's love surround you all. Many prayers for his peace and prayer for those who care and tend him.
Posted by Yonatan (# 11091) on
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A wonderful poster who always brought well informed and insightful discussion to the boards. Prayers for you both and the rest of your family and friends.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
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My dear brother (deuce2 on these boards) had pancreatic cancer, also. I can fathom too well what you are going through.
My prayers for all of you.
Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on
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Oh no ... no ...
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I met Ken for a few pints in London once. I'd always intended to do so again.
Please pass on our love. I'm gutted.
Words fail me. Please tell him he's loved and appreciated. Big time.
Gamaliel
Posted by Signaller (# 17495) on
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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on
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My prayers are with you all.
Posted by Gildas (# 525) on
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Posted by Honest Ron Bacardi (# 38) on
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Persephone -
This is shocking news. I hadn't known he was ill, though had noticed his posting had stopped. As others have said more eloquently, he has always given so much time and energy to this community.
Please let your Dad know how much he meant to all of us, and me specifically. You will both be in my prayers.
Posted by Zacchaeus (# 14454) on
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Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on
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Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
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Posted by EloiseA (# 18029) on
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Posted by Esmeralda (# 582) on
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Persephone, I knew Ken was ill (as he'd posted on FB) but had no idea it was this bad. So sorry - especially as he's been the main active parent for you.
I would like to visit - hoping you'll either clear your inbox or PM me the details - I presume he's in South London (I'm in North). Good that there's a hospice available.
And of course, for him, you and all others involved.
Posted by Louise (# 30) on
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I am so so sorry to hear that. I enjoyed Ken's posting and enjoyed meeting him all those years ago at a London shipmeet. So sad to hear
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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I'm not going to be able to come, but please know that I am thinking of and praying for ken, Persephone and busyknitter. Such awful news, one of my favourite shipmates, and I'm so glad I had the chance to meet ken over many London shipmeets and Greenbelts. Please give him my love and prayers.
[also, busyknitter, you may remember a school friend of ken's called Nigel P; he still lives in Brockley - he used to be my landlord, and told me that ken was instrumental in his own conversion. I hope you don't mind, but if you could PM me details I'd be happy to pass them onto Nigel in case he is able to visit]
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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What awful timing for me to have a full PM box! Sorry about it; I've now had a big clear-out and there's lots of room. This of course meant that I had to sit and read through all the old messages I kept from when Gambit died.
I'm so sorry that my OP was such an inadequate way of conveying the situation to you all here. I simply haven't the right words.
Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on
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So sorry.
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on
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Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on
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Ken and I crossed swords on more than one occasion, and I've built up a lot of respect for the width of his knowledge. I remember him winning a Ship award some years back, and someone described him as a "diamond geezer", which seem to fit him well.
for Ken
for his family
As you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, may the Lord be with you.
Posted by JFH (# 14794) on
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Posted by fletcher christian (# 13919) on
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Posted by Horatio Harumph (# 10855) on
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Sending much love and prayers for Ken, and you of course x
Posted by Beeswax Altar (# 11644) on
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Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on
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While I've never crossed horns with Ken at any time, I have appreciated his forthrightness as well as his ability to value diverse opinions whilst not being able to agree with them.
for Ken
for all the family
for all here who feel pain at this news.
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on
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My love to ken and his family. God be with you all.
Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on
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No words...
Posted by leo (# 1458) on
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Ken and I often disagreed but he's a great man with lots of insights.
Best wishes and prayers.
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on
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I am so shocked and saddened by this news. As so many have said, please do tell ken how much he means to us here. May God's love surround you both.
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on
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Prayers for al of you
Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on
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Hugs. Prayers. Crying.
[ 17. May 2014, 13:25: Message edited by: Schroedinger's cat ]
Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on
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I'm so sorry.
Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on
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Prayers for you all - make the most of every minute.
Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on
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Can't really add much to what's been said already - just prayers for you all in this time.
Posted by Rev per Minute (# 69) on
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I don't think ken ever said anything with which I disagreed, and that really is saying something. Prayers and best wishes for him, Persephone, and all his family and friends.
Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on
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Praying. I'm so sorry.
Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on
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I'm so sorry. Love and prayers for you all.
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on
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So sorry to hear.
Thoughts and prayers with you all,
Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on
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Posted by basso (# 4228) on
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Prayers ascending. I'd been worried but didn't realize just how serious things are.
Posted by BroJames (# 9636) on
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Love and prayers for ken and all the family. I always feel a connection with ken through Durham and South East London - though we've never met.
Posted by BessHiggs (# 15176) on
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Posted by mousethief (# 953) on
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So sorry to hear.
Posted by Ferdzy (# 8702) on
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So very sorry to hear this.
Posted by Abigail (# 1672) on
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Praying.
I doubt if ken knows I exist but I have followed and admired his posts all the time I have been on the Ship.
So sorry.
Posted by bush baptist (# 12306) on
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(Me, too, Abigail.)
Praying for Ken, and for you all, Persephone. Lord, have mercy.
[ 17. May 2014, 15:38: Message edited by: bush baptist ]
Posted by Hart (# 4991) on
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Wow.
Praying.
Posted by MrsBeaky (# 17663) on
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As I'm a fairly new shipmate, I'm pretty sure you don't know me but please know that you will all be in my prayers.
God hold you
Posted by saysay (# 6645) on
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so sad. prayers for all.
Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on
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From one who generally lurks nowadays, thanks for Ken's wisdom and witness here and prayers for you all.
Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on
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Awful to hear.
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on
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ken is one of the great voices on these boards. May God gather ken, Persephone Hazard and all their family and friends close.
Posted by Carys (# 78) on
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Prayers for all close to him.
Carys
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
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for ken and family
Posted by Darllenwr (# 14520) on
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In the relatively short time I have been aboard, I have stood in awe of Ken's knowledge and insight. I have never had the temerity to cross swords with him over any issue - I know that I would have been hopelessly outclassed.
This is bad news.
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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I am grieved to the heart over this. I love that man. My prayers for him, and for you, Persephone, and for all who know and love him.
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
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Darllenwr's just told me of the situation - prayers for Ken and his family.
Posted by Chamois (# 16204) on
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I'm so very sorry to hear this.
I was at university with Ken (same college, same year) and although we didn't know each other particularly well I recognised him at once when I finally boarded the ship even though I hadn't met him since 1978. Always himself, totally unmistakable.
for Ken, all Ken's family and his many, many friends.
Posted by Chesterbelloc (# 3128) on
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Shocked and saddened. My deepest respect and prayers.
Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on
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Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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I am so sorry to hear this.
For you all
Posted by goperryrevs (# 13504) on
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Posted by ArachnidinElmet (# 17346) on
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Had hoped that I may have bumped into the legendary ken at the London Worldcon in the summer. So sad.
All possible prayers for ken and his family and friends.
Posted by Twilight (# 2832) on
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Ken has always been such a huge presence on this board. That someone so brilliant should be such a faithful Christian has always served as a testimony to me.
I've learned so much from his posts and every time he's taken a moment to tell me how wrong I am about something -- I've felt honored to be noticed.
Praying that he not be in pain.
Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on
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Adding my prayers and respect.
Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on
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Posted by Margaret (# 283) on
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Oh NO! I've lost two friends to evil pancreatic cancer and what I want to say about it isn't appropriate for All Saints.
for Ken and his family, and his friends and his church.
Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on
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for you and your father, Persephone. I don't know what to say...
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on
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Such a sad shock. Ken's always been one of my favourite shipmates and (apart from on a few ecclesio-theological trivia) I've always agreed and often been enriched by his posts.
I've already responded on Facebook but though I mostly lurk on the Ship these days I think it's important that we all send our love and prayers.
Posted by Ags (# 204) on
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Bugger!
Persephone Hazard & busyknitter, I'm so sorry.
Ken and I were at Durham at the same time (same church, different college) tho never met there. But I have had the privilege and pleasure to have met him both at shipmeets and Greenbelt.
I hope they can get him into the hospice soon.
You've all been in my prayers for a while.
Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on
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Really sorry to hear this news. ken's prolific contributions here have added greatly to discussions of many topics, and given us all some measure of a very special Shipmate. Prayers ascending.
Posted by Mad Cat (# 9104) on
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So sorry to hear this. Praying for you all
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on
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So sorry to read this. My heart goes out to ken and all who love him.
Posted by Mili (# 3254) on
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So sorry to hear this Ken has been an amazing and knowledgeable shipmate. I have always admired how he has stood up for an equal an just world. Praying.
Posted by the famous rachel (# 1258) on
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Peeping out of current lurkerdom to post...
So sorry to hear this. I've long thought Ken was one of the shipmates I would most love to meet - he has clearly thought deeply about some of the issues close to my heart. My thoughts are with both Ken and Persephone.
Rachel.
Posted by Josephine (# 3899) on
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Persephone, please tell your father that I would have loved to have met him in the flesh, and that I am very glad to have been one of his shipmates here. May God grant him mercy and grace for his next journey, and may God grant that we meet in the age to come.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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I saw Ken on Thursday and realised he was really sick.
Prayers for busy knitter, Persphone Hazard and Ken.
Can you post if you do move him to the hospice please? I'll try to see him next week.
Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on
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If you do see him, CK, send him my love - but I'm sure you'll have so many names to mention.
Posted by Autenrieth Road (# 10509) on
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Thank you, Persephone, for letting us know.
Posted by Pyx_e (# 57) on
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Into your hands O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Ken. Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Amen.
o/ Ken, looking forward to the glorious day when you can fully explain to all of us in great detail some theological point, while the Man sits behind you nodding His head along with you. I don't think it will add to your post count though.
Everything will be alright, don't be afraid, love is here.
Posted by Steve Langton (# 17601) on
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Really sorry to hear about ken's illness; will be praying for him and family. May God be with you in this....
Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on
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RuthW said it well when she said ken is one of the great voices on these boards.
ken, even if you don't read this, you've always been one of the people I read carefully even if the thread isn't interesting. I think of you as informed, interesting, opinionated, and good at expressing yourself. Take care.
My prayers for ken and all who love him or care for him.
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
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So sorry to hear this. for Ken, Persephone and all their family.
Posted by Arleigh (# 5332) on
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thinking of you all
Posted by Leaf (# 14169) on
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Very sorry to hear about this.
for ken, with gratitude for his posts here.
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on
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Praying for you all. Persephone, thank you for letting us know.
Posted by Earwig (# 12057) on
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Praying for you all. Persephone, thank you for letting us know.
Posted by pete173 (# 4622) on
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Prayers. Ken is much loved - both on the Boards and in real life.
Posted by RooK (# 1852) on
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If thoughts and ideas are specks of ourselves in one of our fundamental forms, then these boards are well-seeded with dreams of Ken. And we are all richer for it.
Tell Ken that RooK says "hello".
Posted by Nicodemia (# 4756) on
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for Ken and all his family. He was so helpful to me, as I am sure he was to others. We miss him.
Posted by balaam (# 4543) on
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Posted by Left at the Altar (# 5077) on
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Farewell Ken. Know that you were loved.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
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I am so so sorry to hear this news. Ken is such a lovely man. We have never had chance to know each other well - our paths have crossed only occasionally - but I feel a great fondness for him and was incredibly touched when he came to my Local Preachers accreditation service - a treasured moment.
Persephone Hazard, my heart goes out to you and you are firmly in my prayers, you and your dad and all who are involved in caring, loving, grieving, waiting, nursing, pastoring.
Ken, you said once that being in the hospital was more welcoming than returning to the flat where you felt so trapped. Here's to the knowledge that a heavenly mansion awaits you, rent free and with no maintenance to worry about, pain free and in excellent company. See you there one day.
Posted by Evensong (# 14696) on
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Always had time for ken's posts. Clever, well-informed, full of common sense.
Posted by Pearl B4 Swine (# 11451) on
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ken
remember - those who love God never meet for the last time.
Posted by Gill H (# 68) on
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So tempted to play 'Dear Lord and Father of mankind' at church today just to tease him - I know he hates it!
But instead I will continue to pray for all involved.
Posted by leo (# 1458) on
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Lit a candle for him at church this morning.
I forgot that we have a similar dislike for that quietist hymn.
Posted by Trudy Scrumptious (# 5647) on
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Gill H, I had the same thought about "Dear Lord and Father" -- it's a hymn I play frequently before service (because I, unlike ken, like it a lot) and I always think with a smile about his rants on the subject of that hymn whenever I play it. Now I suspect it will bring a tear to my eye ... as I we get older there seem to be more and more of those in the hymnal!
Prayers and thoughts going out to ken and the family at this time. I was honoured to count him among the few Shipmates I'd met in real life; I enjoyed his company at a 2006 Shipmeet on my last visit to England.
Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on
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Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on
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Just catching up with this news. Ken certainly makes an impression on the Ship (often by steering it sharply left in a most entertaining fashion). Prayers for him and his family.
Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on
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How awful to hear this. ken has been one of the best things about the Ship- witty, knowledgeable, pugnacious in the best kind of way- oh, and AFAIK the only other Millwall supporter on here. for you all.
Posted by Trisagion (# 5235) on
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I've not been about much for a while and have only just caught up with this news. My prayer, PH, for ken, for you and all his loved ones.
Posted by Photo Geek (# 9757) on
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Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
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Just back from visiting Ken. He was surrounded by his family - daughter (Persephone Hazard), mother and brother and apparently I just missed his sister (BusyKnitter). Radio 3 (classical music) on the radio and some kind of Millwall mascot on the side. Peaceful. And a lovely view.
He's beyond the point of being able to have a conversation with him, but it was lovely to be able to have had the chance to see him and talk to him. Definitely odd to be in a room with Ken and not have him talk back though.
Much love and prayers to all.
[ 18. May 2014, 17:36: Message edited by: Yangtze ]
Posted by Eigon (# 4917) on
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So sorry to hear this - like ArachnidinElmet I was looking forward to finding him in the bar at WorldCon in August.
Posted by Dave Walker (# 14) on
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So sorry to hear this. ken has been such an important part of London meets for as long as I can remember.
Persephone - thoughts are with you all.
Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Eigon:
So sorry to hear this - like ArachnidinElmet I was looking forward to finding him in the bar at WorldCon in August.
Bollocks. This.
Posted by JoannaP (# 4493) on
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Many thanks for that update Yangtze.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Yangtze:
some kind of Millwall mascot on the side.
I'll explain. It's actually a Viking duck from the British Museum acquired by me and my eldest en route to visit Ken in hospital a couple of weeks ago. We gave him the choice of viking or samurai duck and took the other one home with us (we live in Lancashire) The Millwall scarf was added later and if you look closely you will see a blade of grass brought up from Brighton, our home town.
Thanks so much for all your prayers, they are very much appreciated.
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
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Cheers for the update Yangtze, and thanks to busyknitter for the mascot explanation. Only just wandered back aboard after a weekend RPG with friends to find this thread. I've always enjoyed reading ken's posts, wish I could've got myself organised enough to get to a London Shipmeet.
Posted by Ags (# 204) on
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Thank you, Yangtze.
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on
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I've only just realised this thread was in existence.
Paul W and I knew that Ken was poorly but hadn't realised it was so serious.
The beer tent at Greenbelt just wouldn't be the same without Ken propping up the bar
Persephone, so much love to you and your Dad from all of us... xxxx
Posted by Tubbs (# 440) on
:
for Ken and everyone who loves him
Tubbs
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
Sorry, I was posting from my phone from Guide camp this weekend, and not able to follow much.
When I saw him on Thursday, it was just me there, but he knew me and did chat a bit, but was fading in and out. He fell asleep a couple of times while I was there. He had texted that he could only take short visits as he was so tired. (He's come to the occasional BBC show with me, and I've known he's been in and out of hospital as he told me he couldn't come to Doc Tor's Arcanum launch as he was in hospital then, plus a few other times.) Although I have offered to visit before, he only gave me his hospital details in the last week.
If loads are people are going, I won't try to get there tomorrow, Monday, night, but my only options next week are Monday and Thursday, and then not for 10 days.
Has anyone printed out this thread for him? Because if not, I'll do it and take it this week.
Posted by Rev per Minute (# 69) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Auntie Doris:
I've only just realised this thread was in existence.
Paul W and I knew that Ken was poorly but hadn't realised it was so serious.
The beer tent at Greenbelt just wouldn't be the same without Ken propping up the bar
Persephone, so much love to you and your Dad from all of us... xxxx
Thanks for reminding me that I had met ken, at GB a couple of times. Another memory for the prayers
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
:
Thanks, Yangzte. I'm another one wishing I could've been organised enough for a London shipmeet.
Continuing prayers for ken, Persephone Hazard, busyknitter, and all who know and love ken.
[ 18. May 2014, 19:20: Message edited by: Japes ]
Posted by Alicïa (# 7668) on
:
so sorry to hear this.
my thoughts & prayers with you Persephone & with Ken.
Posted by Tom Day (# 3630) on
:
Prayers for Ken and his family.
I had known that Ken was ill, but seeing a post on Facebook from someone else made me check the ship. I didn't realise it was this bad. As Anna said, the Beer Tent at GB won't be the same without him.
Posted by Jemima the 9th (# 15106) on
:
Prayers for ken, Persephone, & busyknitter.
When I first started lurking on the ship, ken's posts were some of those that really struck me. I always read them, and learned a lot.
Posted by IngoB (# 8700) on
:
I had no idea...
Chapeau, ken, and strength and peace for the last few steps.
Posted by art dunce (# 9258) on
:
This place will never be the same without his wit, knowledge and wisdom.
Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on
:
My word. ![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
My prayers go out to ken and his family.
A graceful Christian and a great poster to boot. Truly one of the Lord's own.
Posted by Huia (# 3473) on
:
Ken and his family..
I have learnt so much from Ken's posts.
[ 19. May 2014, 04:41: Message edited by: Huia ]
Posted by Jonah the Whale (# 1244) on
:
So many people have posted apt things that I could quote but it would take up too much space, so I'll just keep it at this: quote:
Originally posted by Dafyd:
I've never seen a post by ken that wasn't worth reading.
Prayers.
Posted by Amos (# 44) on
:
Praying. Sending love.
I've been looking for the thread ken started about the Easter sermon he was going to be preaching.
Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Amos:
Praying. Sending love.
I've been looking for the thread ken started about the Easter sermon he was going to be preaching.
Here it is.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
That Easter sermon thread is here
Posted by Pancho (# 13533) on
:
I found out about this yesterday. How terrible. How awful.
I prayed for Ken at mass today. He and his loved ones are in my prayers.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
It's horrible to have to say this online and so impersonally when so many of you had known him for so long, but here it is: Dad died at about twenty to four this morning. I wasn't there, but the nurses told me it was peaceful.
Details of the funeral etc will be posted in time, once we know. Many thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on
:
Oh, Persephone, I am sorry. I only met him the once but I am tearful. How much more so it will be for those who were close to him.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory and may light eternal shine upon him.
Farewell, Ken, enter into the joy of your Lord.
Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on
:
I am very sorry.
Posted by Pancho (# 13533) on
:
Posted by Gee D (# 13815) on
:
May Ken rest in peace and be in the glory of our risen Lord.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
:
I'm so sorry.
Rest eternal, my old friend and online sparring partner. I was proud to have known you.
![[Waterworks]](graemlins/bawling.gif)
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
: prayers for you , Persephone, busyknitter and the rest of your family.
may light perpetual shine upon him.
Posted by comet (# 10353) on
:
all my love.
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on
:
Persephone Hazard
Do not worry about the internet being impersonal, that is not the case here. It is the medium we got to know him through. It is the medium which he excelled at using. Therefore it is appropriate that it is the medium through which this is communicated.
Be assured that you and your wider family are in my prayers at this time.
Jengie
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on
:
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so...
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on
:
Such sad, sad news. He will be sorely missed. Deepest sympathies for you & the rest of the family xxx
Posted by Schroedinger's cat (# 64) on
:
Persephone Hazard - thoughts and prayers with you.
Posted by Rowen (# 1194) on
:
My love....,
Posted by Ags (# 204) on
:
I am going home with You
to Your home.
I am going home with You
to Your home of mercy.
I am going home with You
to the fount of all blessing.
Peace
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on
:
Posted by Boogie (# 13538) on
:
Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on
:
The God Ken knew so well conquers sorrow and death, and Ken enters that place where he sees no longer through a darkened glass but face to face. For all you've been, Ken, we give thanks, and for God's love and resurrection hope to embrace Persephone, busyknitter, and all those who have loved you most dearly we pray
Posted by Karl: Liberal Backslider (# 76) on
:
So sad to hear.
Posted by Thurible (# 3206) on
:
Bollocks. Prayers for you all.
Thurible
Posted by Lucia (# 15201) on
:
For Ken's family and friends.
Ken, as so many others have said, one who's convictions and faith shone through what he wrote but who was also willing to share his vulnerabilities with us. His presence will be missed here.
Ken, may you now be rejoicing in the presence of the Lord you loved and walked with in this life.
Posted by Doc Tor (# 9748) on
:
Posted by Chorister (# 473) on
:
Got back from holiday to find this thread. So sorry to hear. All best wishes to you, Persephone Hazard.
Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on
:
Holding him and all who loved him in the eternal Light.
Posted by Pants (# 999) on
:
Posted by Niminypiminy (# 15489) on
:
for Ken and all who loved him.
I've read and thought about so many of Ken's posts. The world is diminished by the fact that there will be no more of them.
Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on
:
Posted by Yorick (# 12169) on
:
How fucking awful. Poor ken.
Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on
:
Posted by Ann (# 94) on
:
God accept him, Christ receive him!
Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on
:
My heartfelt condolences.
Posted by Lothlorien (# 4927) on
:
He will be much missed here. Prayers for his family.
Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on
:
My prayers and thoughts for Ken, family and us all.
Posted by Chelley (# 11322) on
:
Sending much love and my prayers for ken's loved ones. News on FB sent me to find this thread - shocked and sad but so very chuffed I got to meet ken and as others have said his posts were always something special!
Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on
:
Posted by Stoo (# 254) on
:
Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on
:
madferret and I, and the small ferretovsky, extend our prayers and thoughts to the family
Posted by seasick (# 48) on
:
Posted by Gussie (# 12271) on
:
So sorry to hear this news. .
Posted by seekingsister (# 17707) on
:
Gosh so sad to hear this. ken was very helpful to me on some questions about churches in our local area. Praying.
Posted by Daffodil (# 13164) on
:
For all
Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on
:
Posted by Steve Langton (# 17601) on
:
Posted by East Price Road (# 13846) on
:
Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on
:
So very sorry. Rest in peace and rise in glory, ken
Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on
:
Very sad to hear this. But if ken was IRL anything like his Ship persona I don't think he had anything to worry about.
Posted by pete173 (# 4622) on
:
Ken - great bloke, good thinker, marvellous controversialist. Great fun in real life too. Prayers for Persephone Hazard and the family. May you know God's comfort and resurrection hope.
That moment on a thread when you were waiting for Ken's intervention - which would always be savvy, provocative and thoughtful. We shall miss him hugely.
Posted by sophs (# 2296) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Pyx_e:
Everything will be alright, don't be afraid, love is here.
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
:
I can't believe it. The Ship, Shipmeets and Greenbelt will all be poorer places without him.
May light perpetual shine upon him.
Much love to Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and all his family.
Posted by orfeo (# 13878) on
:
Giving thanks for ken's life, quietly cursing that it's at the end, and praying for his family.
Posted by Aggie (# 4385) on
:
Posted by Fineline (# 12143) on
:
for Ken and his family.
Posted by Ancient Mariner (# 4) on
:
Unrest in peace, Ken.
Posted by Ultracrepidarian (# 9679) on
:
So sorry to hear this.
Praying for ken, his family and his friends, and just reeling a bit because I haven't been reading the ship lately and hadn't seen this coming at all.
Posted by Triple Tiara (# 9556) on
:
How very distressing. Am deeply saddened at the news and will certainly be praying for you all.
Posted by M. (# 3291) on
:
Oh.
Ken, may you rest in peace and rise in glory.
Prayers ascending for Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and the rest of the family.
M.
Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on
:
prayers for all the family.
His life touched so many.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
:
Ken, go forth on your journey from this world
In the love of God the Father who created you
in the mercy of Jesus Christ who redeemed you
in the power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens you.
May the heavenly host sustain you
and the company of heaven enfold you.
In communion with all the faithful
may you dwell this day in peace
[ 19. May 2014, 13:06: Message edited by: Spike ]
Posted by Twilight (# 2832) on
:
May the Lord bless and keep Ken and give peace and comfort to everyone who has loved him.
Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on
:
Ken, may God embrace you in his love. Thank you for taking the time to teach me so much on the ship.
Lord, hold Ken close, and may all who grieve know the comfort and peace of your presence now and always. Amen.
Posted by AdamPater (# 4431) on
:
May he rest in peace, rise in glory.
And for family and friends in loss, comfort
Posted by Jane R (# 331) on
:
Posted by Quinine (# 1668) on
:
I haven't been on the Ship for a while, so this came as a complete shock. I'm pretty sure Ken didn't know me but I will miss his posts with their intelligence and humanity.
Prayers and sympathy for his family
Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on
:
Wishing strength to Persephone and rest of his family. His fight is over.
AG
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on
:
Oh
Auntie Doris x
Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on
:
Posted by Amos (# 44) on
:
From the 'suddenly nervous' thread--ken's thread about his Easter sermon:
- Posted 21 April, 2014 00:29 'People are always very nice so I can never be sure how a sermon goes down (perhaps that is a mercy) but some seemed very moved by it.
A few rather odd reactions that I did not expect. One person said I seemed to be "on fire" with what I was saying. I hardly know how to take that. I felt quite calm and very tired. The curate said that part of it reminded him of the Orthodox Kontakion for the Dead. Which was not in my mind at all.
Used old AV for familiar words and more literal translation and "sense of occasion". not NIV like pew Bibles.
Afterwards I was exhausted. Barely made it to end of the church without falling asleep. I had to ask for a lift home even though its only a few hundred yards. A. (my daughter) came home with me but I could hardly talk to her. Lay down on couch and slept for four hours. Was OK after that though.'
Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints:
where sorrow and pain are no more;
neither sighing but life everlasting.
Thou only art immortal, the creator and maker of man:
and we are mortal formed from the dust of the earth,
and unto earth shall we return:
for so thou didst ordain,
when thou created me saying:
"Dust thou art und unto dust shalt thou return."
All we go down to the dust;
and weeping o'er the grave we make our song:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
[ 19. May 2014, 19:03: Message edited by: Firenze ]
Posted by Firenze (# 619) on
:
"I preached as never sure to preach again and as a dying man to dying men."
Richard Baxter
Posted by koshatnik (# 11938) on
:
Oh no.
Posted by Divine Outlaw (# 2252) on
:
Desperately sad. May he rest in peace. Prayers also for Persephone and all those mourning a thoroughly nice, decent, and thought-provoking man.
Posted by Panda (# 2951) on
:
Love and prayers. Rest in peace, ken.
Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
:
May he rest in peace and rise in glory and may God comfort those who mourn their loss.
Posted by Pyx_e (# 57) on
:
quote:
...... and weeping o'er the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
For Ken, for PH and all the family. Such a gift, such a loss. In grief let us not fall away from you Lord.
Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on
:
Posted by Snags (# 15351) on
:
Just heard about this via a friend from Cix, where I first 'met' ken
Love and sympathies to all, he'll be much missed by a very wide community.
Posted by ToujoursDan (# 10578) on
:
He was a man of brilliant wit and compassion. I will miss him greatly. RIP Ken.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
:
Ken. Rest in Peace.
Posted by PeteC (# 10422) on
:
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Ps 23:6 KJV
Prayers for his mother, daughter, brother and sister and all other members of his family.
Posted by Kitten (# 1179) on
:
Ken will be missed, so much.
Posted by The Great Gumby (# 10989) on
:
Oh, ken.
When such a man goes peacefully, we know he's truly gone.
Go well.
Posted by Malin (# 11769) on
:
Til we meet again Ken. Many thanks for the wise words and help youve given me that you are probably unaware of. Yours posts have always been so worth reading.
Enjoy the life hid with Christ in its new chapter.
Love and comfort to all who will miss you dreadfully.
Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on
:
{{{{{{{Ken and all who love him}}}}}}}
May the Fools of the Celestial Ship welcome him.
Posted by Latchkey Kid (# 12444) on
:
We shall not see his like again.
Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on
:
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on
:
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on
:
What sad news. He was an integral part of the Ship.
Thoughts and prayers with him and his loved ones.
Posted by Angloid (# 159) on
:
Percipient words from the man himself (his comments on his Easter sermon) quote:
People are always very nice so I can never be sure how a sermon goes down (perhaps that is a mercy) but some seemed very moved by it.
A few rather odd reactions that I did not expect. One person said I seemed to be "on fire" with what I was saying. I hardly know how to take that. I felt quite calm and very tired. The curate said that part of it reminded him of the Orthodox Kontakion for the Dead. Which was not in my mind at all.
He was in God's hands all along. Pray for us, Ken, as we will for you.
Posted by TheAlethiophile (# 16870) on
:
Farewell ken. Until we meet on the renewed ship in the new seas and new dockyard...
Posted by Late Paul (# 37) on
:
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
He also said this on 26 February, on a thread about what you would do if you only had a year to live:
quote:
It is possible that I am actually in this situation. Been thinking about it for some months. To my surprise I find I want to carry on as normally as possible. Even going to work.
There are of course those unwritten books howling to be born...
here
[ 19. May 2014, 12:04: Message edited by: Curiosity killed ... ]
Posted by Kittyville (# 16106) on
:
Another one shocked and saddened by this news. I was in Ken's part of London last year, and thought of him with a smile as I went past the parade of Sri Lankan shops on the bus to Lewisham station.
Persephone and Busyknitter, I am very sorry for your loss and that of all those who mourn Ken.
Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on
:
All powers of high imagining here failed.
But now my will and my desire were turned,
as wheels that move in equilibrium,
by love that moves the sun and other stars.
Posted by iGeek (# 777) on
:
Lord have Mercy - and welcome home, Ken.
Love, prayers and hopes for good memories and laughter to those who grieve. He is known and remembered and respected all over the world - not too shabby.
[hoists pint silently]
Posted by jbohn (# 8753) on
:
So sorry to hear this - Ken's posts were always worth a serious read, even when we disagreed. Truly a great voice on the Ship. RIP, Ken.
Posted by wanderingstar (# 10444) on
:
I never met Ken (I think I sat next to him outside the Jesus Arms once) but from my first day lurking aboard I've been struck, skewered and inspired by his wit, wisdom, honesty and goodness.
I will always miss his presence here. For his family & friends, I can barely imagine:
Rest in peace, Ken. I hope one day I'll sit next to you again.
Posted by Josephine (# 3899) on
:
May his memory be eternal!
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on
:
Those heavenly shipmeets are gonna be amazing
Rest eternal, Ken, and God's comfort to all who loved you.
Posted by Moo (# 107) on
:
And even you, most gentle Death,
You wait to hush our final breath,
You lead the child back home to God,
For Christ our lord this way has trod.
Ken has been led back home to God. I will miss him.
Moo
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
:
I hope this link works
This photo was taken on my 40th birthday. The fact that Gambit is also in the picture makes it especially poignant.
Posted by Anglican_Brat (# 12349) on
:
May Ken rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
I've got a few photos of ken - a couple already up on Flickr here when Kelly was over a few years ago, and here at the Third Gambit meet. But there are more at home - two in particular I'll find and put up: one with ken looking at plants at Kew and the other with a phone in hand posting on the Ship in the Mulberry Bush at the Ender's Shadow meet.
Posted by EtymologicalEvangelical (# 15091) on
:
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
:
So sorry. Peace, ken.
Posted by Matt Black (# 2210) on
:
Shit shit shit.
Rest in peace and rise in glory, Ken.
Posted by duchess (# 2764) on
:
Persephone Hazard, I am praying for you, dear. And all of his family. And for him as he goes into heaven with God.
Such a smart guy, I mean Ken was brilliant. Always corrected me! On the ship, on my facebook, and I am a better person for it! So young. Rest in peace, Ken.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul... - It Is Well with My Soul
Posted by Stetson (# 9597) on
:
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on
:
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rest in peace, ken. And thank you.
For Persephone Hazard, for busyknitter, and for all who knew and loved him.
Posted by Laura (# 10) on
:
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
:
Posted by Robertus Liverpolitanae (# 12011) on
:
Posted by Albertus (# 13356) on
:
Just been reading the thread on trigger-warnings and found myself scrolling down, looking for ken's avatar becaue I thought he'd have something worthwhile to say. It is going to be very strange here without him. Never met him or even AFAIK crossed swords with him on the boards but I am already missing him terribly.
Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on
:
I lie down in peace; at once I fall asleep; for only you, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Posted by snowgoose (# 4394) on
:
Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on
:
The shadow of death lies upon your face, beloved,
but the Jesus of grace has His hand around you;
in nearness to the Trinity farewell to your pains,
Christ stands before you and peace is in His mind.
Posted by Doublethink (# 1984) on
:
I am glad his end was peaceful, I will hold you all in my thoughts.
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on
:
Holding ken's family in prayer.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
:
Rest in peace, ken, and rise in glory.
For all who will mourn him.
Posted by BroJames (# 9636) on
:
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
:
Kyrie eleison
Posted by Organ Builder (# 12478) on
:
It's hard to imagine what the Ship will be like without Ken. He could make me want to read a thread with a title like "Dullest Observations by the Dullest People on Earth". He was equally interesting on Facebook, though in a slightly different manner.
There was no one who could write up a Hell call like Ken at his best. "Myrhhmeneutics" will always bring a chuckle to anyone blessed to remember that thread.
He is someone I never met in real life, but was on the short list of Shipmates I wanted to meet. In spite of that, I feel a real loss that makes me realize just how much I considered him a friend.
May light perpetual shine upon him.
Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Angloid:
Percipient words from the man himself (his comments on his Easter sermon) quote:
People are always very nice so I can never be sure how a sermon goes down (perhaps that is a mercy) but some seemed very moved by it.
A few rather odd reactions that I did not expect. One person said I seemed to be "on fire" with what I was saying. I hardly know how to take that. I felt quite calm and very tired. The curate said that part of it reminded him of the Orthodox Kontakion for the Dead. Which was not in my mind at all.
He was in God's hands all along. Pray for us, Ken, as we will for you.
Seeing this news about ken reminded me of his Easter sermon as well. Praying that he is now knowing the fulfillment of the hope of which he spoke on Easter Sunday and that that hope will be comfort and peace to Persephone Hazard and all who are mourning him.
Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on
:
We are all diminished by his death. May his glory illuminate us.
Posted by TurquoiseTastic (# 8978) on
:
Really sorry to hear this.
Posted by Jay-Emm (# 11411) on
:
Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on
:
Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Farewell, Christian brother. You were a good guy.
Posted by Barnabas62 (# 9110) on
:
Rest in peace, unique and irreplaceable Shipmate. Condolences to Persephone Hazard, family and friends.
Posted by iamchristianhearmeroar (# 15483) on
:
This is such terribly sad news. I'd never met ken but I know we've lost one of our best. If not our very best.
Posted by mousethief (# 953) on
:
My thoughts and prayers are with the departed and his family and loved ones.
May his memory be eternal.
Posted by geroff (# 3882) on
:
Oh Ken so sad,
Rest In peace.
We will always remember a wonderful day with you at Kew, oh ages ago, and bumping into you around Greenbelt.
Posted by Tubbs (# 440) on
:
Tubbs
Posted by jackanapes (# 12374) on
:
My brother just told me the news. I am so sorry for Ken's family and friends, and that I never plucked up the courage to have a proper conversation when I bumped into him at GB. His faith and wisdom have had a big impact on me. Thanks Ken. RIP - RIG.
Posted by lapsed heathen (# 4403) on
:
There was no subject he didn't know about, history, trains, comics. Missed hardly covers it.
Rest well ken.
[ 19. May 2014, 18:53: Message edited by: lapsed heathen ]
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on
:
Adding my condolences to all who loved our ken.
Posted by Chocoholic (# 4655) on
:
With prayers for Ken, Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and all his family.
Choccie x
Posted by balaam (# 4543) on
:
Posted by Sober Preacher's Kid (# 12699) on
:
[*Old Hundredth*]
Approach with joy his courts unto....
{/*Old Hundredth*}
Posted by Landlubber (# 11055) on
:
Condolences to all Ken's family
From death to life eternal
Posted by Polly (# 1107) on
:
RIP Ken
Posted by TonyK (# 35) on
:
Persephone Hazard & busyknitter
So sorry to hear the news...
I hadn't been around the Ship much for the last few days and had no idea...
I remember meeting Ken (and you Persephone Hazard)
at some pub up in London (Fleet Street? The Strand?) many years ago.
His posts were always worth reading, and while I didn't always agree with him, I always read them...
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord; and may light perpetual shine upon him.
for Persephone Hazard, busyknitter, all his family and friends and the people at his church.
Posted by Trisagion (# 5235) on
:
May the angels lead him into paradise.
[ 19. May 2014, 20:02: Message edited by: Trisagion ]
Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on
:
Dammit, ken, you left us far too soon. Great Shipmate, and my favourite Evangelical! As many have said, the sight of your name would make me read the most unpromising thread. You were sound on Wagner and erudite on Dr Who, and that's beyond rare. Beyond rare you were yourself, and I'll bloody miss you. Rest eternal, dear brother.
Posted by Rev per Minute (# 69) on
:
Nothing more to say from me. Persephone, busyknitter, all who knew and loved ken, may God's peace be with you as you grieve.
Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on
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Oh Ken. I loved his wit, his bullishness, his intelligence, his deep kindness, and his searing honesty. It is strange to say this about someone I only ever knew online, but I will miss him very badly. He was the best of us.
My prayers for Persephone Hazard and busyknitter, and all Ken's loved ones.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
and light perpetual shine upon him.
Posted by Mrs Shrew (# 8635) on
:
So so sorry to hear this. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Persephone and busy knitter.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may those who grieve his loss find comfort
Posted by Hedgehog (# 14125) on
:
So sad. Rest comfortably in the True Light, ken.
And my prayers for strength and comfort to his family and all who loved him.
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on
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Ken's intelligence, wit, humour, politics, and passion for people was so evident in his words on these boards. Didn't we all become Roundheads and cavaliers (or something?) at the point of his 10,000 post? Was his knowledge without end as he seemed to have intelligent comment on everything?
I am so sorry for the loss of him as father, brother, and especially as son, as no parent should see their child like this. But I am also selfishly sorry for our loss. The celestial ship sails with a greater crew tonight.
Ken's irregularly written, but always eloquent, blog is Here - the view from Nunhead station.
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on
:
fair winds and following seas, dear shipmate.
Posted by deano (# 12063) on
:
What awful, terribly sad news this is.
Ken and I were poles apart politically, but is like to think we shared a similar sort of faith. He was a good man who fought his corner fiercely, passionately and with unwavering determination.
He was an honest, principled worker and I can think of no higher honour to pay him.
I'll miss him.
Posted by Louise (# 30) on
:
So sad, so sorry. Such a terrible loss.
Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on
:
I'm so sorry; love to you all. I'm grateful to those who have posted pictures of ken.
Posted by Caty S. (# 11996) on
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Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord
Posted by St. Gwladys (# 14504) on
:
Shocked at the news, but glad that the journey was swift. May you rest in peace and rise in glory
Posted by no prophet (# 15560) on
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Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on
:
Nononononono
Prayers for Ken, and for Persephone Hazard, busy knitter and all who mourn him.
Posted by Horatio Harumph (# 10855) on
:
Sending much love x
Posted by anoesis (# 14189) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Cottontail:
Oh Ken. I loved his wit, his bullishness, his intelligence, his deep kindness, and his searing honesty. It is strange to say this about someone I only ever knew online, but I will miss him very badly.
Read through this thread this morning, through a haze of tears, went to drop the kids off at school, and came back to post, only to find that Cottontail has pretty much said it for me. It's all true. If his loss is causing waves of grief on the other side of the planet, amongst people who only knew him online, the chasm left in the lives of his family must be all but incomprehensible...
Posted by FCB (# 1495) on
:
Prayers for Ken and my deepest sympathy for his family. As so many have said, he combined fierce intelligence with great wit and a big heart. I feel as if I learned a lot from him about how to be a Christian on the internet.
Posted by Diomedes (# 13482) on
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Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on
:
Terrible news. ken knew about loads of things, but more importantly, he cared about loads of things. We will miss him.
Posted by Hooker's Trick (# 89) on
:
Joining other voices in my shock, dismay and sadness at this news.
I was fortunate enough to have met ken -- oh, years ago now -- at a London Shipmeet (a few others may have cause to remember). A rowdy contingent of shipmates closed the pub and found to their woe a complete lack of further booze (no one, myself included, having the forethought to get some in for after hours).
The rescue came in the form of some "vintage gin" provided by our own TonyK (thanks, Tony!) which ken, though not a renowned gin-drinker, was most insistent we should try. In the interests of science (what would forty-year old gin taste like?). The gin in question had turned a very pale straw colour, but proved most quaffable.
ken was much on fine form that evening and that meet, not least because of ken, remains one of my fondest London memories.
And ken was one of the few Honest To Goodness Evangelicals to seriously engage with the (sometimes eye-roll-worthy) content of Ecclesiantics, see through the tattery, and contribute constructively and substantially to the conversation.
He will be missed.
Posted by Chesterbelloc (# 3128) on
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May our Lord grant rest to His servant Ken and comfort to his family. A grievous loss to us all.
Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on
:
So sad, so very sad.
Posted by saysay (# 6645) on
:
Posted by Mertseger (# 4534) on
:
Condolences to all.
Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on
:
for ken, and all who mourn him
Posted by Timothy the Obscure (# 292) on
:
Oh no... I just discovered this thread. Ken was one of the shipmates whose posts I always read, and one of those I most hoped to meet someday face to face. His passing is a loss to us all.
Holding Ken and his family in the Light.
Posted by Olaf (# 11804) on
:
Prayers for the family and friends of ken. Persephone Hazard, thank you for keeping us informed. I never met ken off Ship, but the camaraderie here is much warmer and more respectful than many places online because of people like him, who could deftly navigate the line between serious and jocular.
Posted by Nicolemr (# 28) on
:
So sorry to hear. RIP Ken.
Posted by Net Spinster (# 16058) on
:
my thoughts are with his family and friends
Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on
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Just sitting here thinking about KEN, only had a few PM's from him, but he was a class act and I'm so sad to hear of his passing, but now I know he is in his heavenly home.
My sympathies to his family and friends, and shipmates who had the pleasure to have met him.
Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on
:
I'm so sorry to hear this. It pisses me off. My deepest condolences to ken's family. He will be missed beyond words.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
I promised some more photos. This and this are from the Kew Meet that geroff mentioned upthread, with geroff, Rosa gallica and Curious Kitten with ken - which was 7 years ago, 28 May 2007. We went on to The Dove.
And this taken in the Mulberry Bush from February 2010 at 10pm, after Ender's Shadow had left. rosamundi, Yangtze and I were still there chatting and ken finally arrived, late, as usual. Then they all started posting on the Ship on their phones (I didn't have a smartphone, just a camera).
Posted by mdijon (# 8520) on
:
I will toast the thought-provoking, the wit, the intellect, the humour and the warmth of ken this evening.
What a loss for us, and what a deep loss for his closer friends and family.
May he rest safely and in peace.
Posted by Mili (# 3254) on
:
Sympathies and prayers to Persephone Hazard, Busy Knitter and the rest of Ken's family and friends. Also to the members of his church where I'm sure he will be truly missed. I'm sure us shippies will be sharing memories for years to come and making newbies wonder who this remarkable Ken was who everyone keeps referring to. He will be remembered by so many around the world who learnt so much from his wisdom and incredible knowledge, even though we never new him in 'real life'.
Posted by chive (# 208) on
:
May he rest in peace, rise in glory and argue socialism with the angels.
My prayers are with Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and all his family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Posted by Nicodemia (# 4756) on
:
My thoughts and prayers for you all.
Posted by Leprechaun (# 5408) on
:
This is really awful news. He will be much missed.
Posted by To The Pain (# 12235) on
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Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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I'm still so sad. What an amazing man, we are all the poorer for his loss.
Posted by Twangist (# 16208) on
:
Posted by L'organist (# 17338) on
:
for ken
for all who love him
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
:
So sorry to hear this - I didn't have all that much interaction with Ken on these boards, but his posts were always worth reading.
I was looking back at his Easter sermon thread and at the time I didn't know that he was ill; now I realise what a brave thing it must have been for him to do.
for his soul, and for Persephone, Busyknitter and all who knew and loved him.
Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.
Posted by moron (# 206) on
:
ken got under my skin more than once.
May he NOT rest in peace... and continue to get under skins.
One of the best - I remain amazed at his learning.
Anyway yeah dammit... RIP.
Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on
:
Personally I find it hard to improve on Ancient Mariner's quote:
Unrest in peace
above.
Posted by Justinian (# 5357) on
:
Posted by malik3000 (# 11437) on
:
After a hiatus from the Ship (not for any bad reason, just other business) I have just now checked in to see what is happening, and am floored by this news. What an utter total shock. To say how very very sad seems so inadequate. Ken's posts exemplified the best of what is special about the Ship.
I never met you face to face, Ken, but thanks for the interesting and thought-provoking posts. Rest in peace and rise in glory, Ken.
Persephone Hazard and busy knitter, prayers that the Most High give you strength and comfort, and as well to all the many who miss him and will remember him.
"and weeping o'er the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia."
[ 20. May 2014, 14:36: Message edited by: malik3000 ]
Posted by la vie en rouge (# 10688) on
:
Ken deserved that Shipmate of the Year award.
Posted by Tubbs (# 440) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by chive:
May he rest in peace, rise in glory and argue socialism with the angels.
My prayers are with Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and all his family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
"... and argue socialism with the angels over a pint".
Tubbs
Posted by Caissa (# 16710) on
:
My condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by QLib (# 43) on
:
Been busy at w*rk and not paying proper attention.
I'm so sorry.
Posted by alienfromzog (# 5327) on
:
I have been away for a few days. Only just noticed this thread. It was the Hell-thread that sent me in the right direction.
There are no words for moments like this but I think the length of this thread in just 3 days shows the world what we all thought of Ken.
As for me, I have changed my signature.
And this is what I think about cancer...
AFZ
Posted by Dogwalker (# 14135) on
:
My condolences, as well. I never met Ken, but I really enjoyed his posts.
Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on
:
I haven't been around the ship much recently, due to being very busy in real life. I found out about Ken, and what sad news, what a loss. I always enjoyed his wit and intelligence, and he will be very much missed. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Beautiful Dreamer (# 10880) on
:
Prayers and condolences to Persephone Hazard and your whole family. I didn't know Ken well, but he seems to have made a major impact on this board and, for that, he will be greatly missed. The world needs more great souls like his.
Posted by Oscar the Grouch (# 1916) on
:
I never met ken in Real Life. My loss. I suspect that I would have greatly enjoyed knowing him.
One of the things I loved about him was that even when I disagreed with one of his posts, I valued reading it and knew that it had been written from a place of deep thought and passionate belief.
for the family and for all who knew and loved him.
Posted by Grits (# 4169) on
:
He really was one of the greats, an icon of the Ship. His words were always measured and meaningful. We are less because of his loss.
Posted by Equinas (# 2907) on
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Posted by Fuff (# 14655) on
:
Posted by Spawn (# 4867) on
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Just read people talking about Ken in the past tense and shocked to discover this thread. He'll be sorely missed. Never met him but we crossed paths and swords many times. My prayers for Ken's family and friends.
Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on
:
Bloody hell.
Posted by Edith (# 16978) on
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So sad. When I first found the ship I read his posts with delight and at one point responded with 'Ken for Prime Minister'. His moral authority, wisdom and wit - and his SE London affiliation would have transformed the entire political, moral and cultural landscape. He is one of the saints of heaven. RIP
Posted by A.Pilgrim (# 15044) on
:
Been away from the Ship for a few weeks very busy with RL, so it has been a real shock to find this thread. Ken and I crossed swords on a few occasions, but he was certainly someone whose views and extensive knowledge I respected.
I'm surprised to find out how moved I am by the news - he will be missed a great deal. I never met him in RL, but in God's mercy I hope that we shall meet in the life of the world to come.
My thoughts and condolences to his family.
Angus
Posted by daronmedway (# 3012) on
:
So very sorry to hear this. I will really miss ken's incisive wit and consistent clarity of thought. He was a brilliant shipmate.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
My father's funeral will be at 12pm on Friday June 13th, at St John's Church (addresses at the end). After the service, some will proceed to the burial at Brockley Cemetery, while others will stay at the church for tea and such. We'll all reconvene at the Rising Sun (dad's local of twenty-five years, down the hill from the church) for the kind of wake he would have wanted - lots of beer, lots of celebration, and lots of remembrance. Here are some other things you might want to know:
- My dad hated cut flowers; he called them "murdered plants". As such, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St John's Church - an institution to which he was devoted for a quarter of a century.
- Everyone is welcome to come to the funeral service. If you only knew him online but would quite like to come, come. If you'd want to be there but would feel more comfortable accompanied by (for example) your partner who is someone my dad never met, bring them.
- Everyone is also welcome at the burial, but space will be a little limited - we will after all be at the graveside. As such, some of you may wish to stay behind and rejoin the family and close friends at the pub afterwards.
- Even if you can't take time off work for the funeral (or otherwise can't be there), we'd love you to consider coming to the wake in the pub that evening anyway. After all, it's a Friday night - it's what he would have wanted!
- If you'd like to visit him in the Chapel of Rest prior to the funeral, you're very welcome to - please ask me for details of how to do this and I will get them to you.
St John's can be found at: St John’s Church, St John’s Vale, SE8 4EA
The Rising Sun is: 120 Loampit Hill, SE13 7SN
Despite the confusingly different addresses, the two are actually on the same road as each other - ten minutes walk in a straight line downhill!
Any questions, please just ask.
Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on
:
I have noted the time and will be with you in spirit, probably with beer in hand.
May Ken rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by Alaric the Goth (# 511) on
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So sad to hear the news about ken's passing away. I am not on the Ship much these days and only found this thread this afternoon. An intelligent, witty man has left us. My prayers for Ken's friends and family.
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
:
Everyone else has said it better than I could, so I will just add my prayers for all those who loved Ken and will miss him. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Posted by jbohn (# 8753) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Vulpior:
I have noted the time and will be with you in spirit, probably with beer in hand.
May Ken rest in peace and rise in glory.
I'll raise a pint for him from this side of the Pond.
Posted by Presleyterian (# 1915) on
:
"Grant, Almighty God, that as thou shinest on us by thy word, we may not be blind at midnight, nor wilfully seek darkness, and thus lull our minds asleep: but may we be roused daily by thy words, and may we stir up ourselves more and more to fear thy name and thus present ourselves and all our pursuits, as a sacrifice to thee, that thou mayest peaceably rule, and perpetually dwell in us, until thou gatherest us to thy celestial habitation, where there is reserved for us eternal rest and glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
John Calvin
Posted by comet (# 10353) on
:
I went looking to see if one could donate to St. John's online, and unless I'm missing it, it doesn't appear so. for those in the know, if a donation was sent to St John’s Church, St John’s Vale, London, UK SE8 4EA would it get there? I don't know if that's a full mailing address over there.
Posted by passer (# 13329) on
:
So sorry to hear this. It will be quieter without Ken. Commiserations to his family and friends.
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by comet:
I went looking to see if one could donate to St. John's online, and unless I'm missing it, it doesn't appear so. for those in the know, if a donation was sent to St John’s Church, St John’s Vale, London, UK SE8 4EA would it get there? I don't know if that's a full mailing address over there.
Yes, it should get there with that address. Can I just check (Persephone?) what the exact payee would be on the cheque? Not sure if the bank would accept 'St John's church' or if it needs to be something else. Thank you x
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by comet:
I went looking to see if one could donate to St. John's online, and unless I'm missing it, it doesn't appear so. for those in the know, if a donation was sent to St John’s Church, St John’s Vale, London, UK SE8 4EA would it get there? I don't know if that's a full mailing address over there.
That's certainly a valid address.
Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on
:
Comet
If you want to know how best to make a donation then how to contact the church can be found on this webpage and yes that is its full postal address.
I think, the clerics will fast learn why it is a good idea to have the treasurers email on the website.
Jengie
Posted by comet (# 10353) on
:
Thanks, Jengie. I did get that far, just wasn't sure if that was enough info.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
:
One of us will find out about the correct cheque payee and pass it on.
Posted by comet (# 10353) on
:
Thank you, BK!
Posted by rolyn (# 16840) on
:
So very sorry to hear this news , and for being late in catching up on it due to a IT probs.
I always enjoyed reading ken's opinions . His valuable knowledge and analysis of history was also much appreciated .
Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on
:
He inspired me to think through my faith more. A beer will be raised here on the 13th for sure.
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on
:
I am so sorry he's gone, Persephone. We of the remaining high posters shall miss him horribly. I always enjoyed his witty comments and was sorry not to have met him when we were in England in 2007...
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on
:
Is it not possible to see some of his more memorable posts?
Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on
:
Another to share in the great shipmeet beyond the edge of this world. May his memory be eternal, and his glass ever full.
I am guessing the global wake for those of us left sadly behind has commenced. I'm sure the thought of a mexican wave of raised glasses would make him smile.
May the Spirit of comfort enfold us all.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Banner Lady:
I am guessing the global wake for those of us left sadly behind has commenced. I'm sure the thought of a mexican wave of raised glasses would make him smile.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Perfect, BL.
Posted by Hugal (# 2734) on
:
Very sorry to hear the news. He will be missed around here
Posted by leo (# 1458) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
My father's funeral will be at [b]12pm on Friday June 13th
Have put the time in my diary and will be thinking of him then.
We clashed on evangelical/anglo-catholic but always agreed on our socialism.
Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on
:
I'll be lifting a glass tonight in memory of Ken. Didn't know him that well, but I liked what I found.
Posted by Derf (# 2093) on
:
I heard this news earlier in the week but am only just back online. I have no words to add to what has already been said, but add my prayers, especially for those who loved Ken most dearly.
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
:
Really sorry to hear this - another one to have noticed it on Facebook first. Sad loss of a fun guy and a fellow South Londoner. I will try to be there on Friday 13th. Prayers for his nearest and dearest and of course for him to RIP and RIG.
Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on
:
I have been away from the Ship for a few days and have come back to find this.
Ken has always been here. He was a good man, who had conviction. We can't be without him. The Ship won't be what it was, any more.
Posted by Nenuphar (# 16057) on
:
for Ken and all who love him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may light perpetual shine upon him. God bless you all.
Posted by Hiro's Leap (# 12470) on
:
Horrible sad news.
I sometimes mentioned the Ship to friends, and Ken was the name that would pop up most often. His depth of knowledge, his passion and his blunt honesty were all amazing.
Deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Posted by Pine Marten (# 11068) on
:
Though I never met ken I was hoping to come to the funeral as I'm in north London, but Mr Marten and I will have just arrived in York for a week's holiday at 12pm on the 13th - I'll remember him in spirit and hopefully raise a glass to his memory on the Friday evening.
Ken and his family are on the prayer list at church
Posted by The Black Labrador (# 3098) on
:
I haven't been on the Ship for a while, but am greatly saddened to hear this. Ken was a great shipmate and a very friendly and engaging person to talk to at shipmeets.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
I don't know if this blog post I wrote about his death will be of any interest to any of you, but I thought I'd link it here anyway in case it was.
[ 24. May 2014, 19:13: Message edited by: Persephone Hazard ]
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
:
That was beautiful and very moving.
Posted by Ariel (# 58) on
:
That has to be one of the most moving things I've read. Bless you, and God keep you safe: I'm so sorry for your loss.
Hang on in there. I wish you peace and comfort and will be thinking of you on June 13th.
Posted by W Hyatt (# 14250) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
I don't know if this blog post I wrote about his death will be of any interest to any of you, but I thought I'd link it here anyway in case it was.
Beautiful - thank you.
Posted by scuffleball (# 16480) on
:
?!!
...I was hoping I might meet ken some time at gbelt
http://youtu.be/XP0VF9SYtIE
Posted by Trisagion (# 5235) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
I don't know if this blog post I wrote about his death will be of any interest to any of you, but I thought I'd link it here anyway in case it was.
Thank you thank you, thank you.
Posted by Chocoholic (# 4655) on
:
Thank you so much for sharing that with us Persephone. I hope the writing was helpful to you too.
Posted by Japes (# 5358) on
:
Thank you, Persephone.
Posted by Amos (# 44) on
:
Thank you, Persephone. You're your father's daughter.
Posted by iamchristianhearmeroar (# 15483) on
:
Beautiful writing, thank you.
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
:
Thank you, Persephone.
Posted by Stephen (# 40) on
:
Very sad to hear this news - Ken's posts were always well informed and interesting. He will be very sadly missed
and thank you for sharing, Persephone
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Ariel:
That has to be one of the most moving things I've read ...
Same here.
Posted by quetzalcoatl (# 16740) on
:
A wonderful piece, Persephone, so much love pouring through you, through him, through everything.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
:
Wow. Thank you.
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on
:
Thank you, Persephone. A beautiful piece of writing. God bless.
Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on
:
Great piece. Something to help all of us.
Posted by Alwyn (# 4380) on
:
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
That's such a moving blog post, Persephone.
I'm not sure this is much help, but the last thing he said to me on the Thursday night was: Where's my daughter? where 's [name]? ~ which I took as a sign he'd had enough and I should go.
Posted by Martin PC not & Ship's Biohazard (# 368) on
:
Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on
:
Like some others, I'm also returning to the Ship after a week away. My previous post was a first reaction written during a brief period of having internet access. I'm catching up with this thread now, praying for you, Persephone and busyknitter and all who loved ken IRL, and thinking how impoverished the Ship will be without him.
Persephone, that's a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you. As Amos said, you truly come across as your father's daughter.
quote:
Originally posted by Sir Kevin:
Is it not possible to see some of his more memorable posts?
Would a "ken's best posts" thread be appropriate, Hosts? Or is it too soon? I was googling for some of my best memories of his writing earlier, and found his opinion on the music we'll hear in Heaven:
quote:
JS Bach on keyboards, Jimi Hendrix on guitar, John Coltrane on sax... Mozart is the roadie.
(With a nice dig at Mozart, whom ken described as "truly great, but not the greatest" ![[Biased]](wink.gif)
)
Posted by Dave Marshall (# 7533) on
:
As someone else who doesn't spend much time here now I missed this until last night. ken took a while to work out that I wasn't the enemy, but I think we settled on a respectful accommodation of each others' position. We almost met at Greenbelt; now I'm left wishing I'd made the effort.
[ 25. May 2014, 12:28: Message edited by: Dave Marshall ]
Posted by Pure Sunshine (# 11904) on
:
Ken was one of those shipmates whose posts I always made a special point of reading - proof that quantity does not necessarily come at the expense of quality! I was continually astounded by the sheer range of subjects on which he was an expert - not to mention the wit with which he wrote about them. Such a huge loss to the ship.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
:
Adeodatus, This is what we did for kenwritez. Please feel free to start a similar thread, if you wish. I'd do it myself, but don't want to risk an iPad disaster.
Posted by Socratic-enigma (# 12074) on
:
My condolences to Ken's family on this very sad news.
He will be greatly missed.
S-E
Posted by Martin PC not & Ship's Biohazard (# 368) on
:
I never come up to All Saints, so it was coincidence that I did two days ago.
I was saddened. And now I'm more so. I want to cry. But I don't because my wife's here. I wanted to tell her I was sad on Saturday (I can always hide it) because a friend I'd never met had died.
Ken was my friend.
He was there while I caught up.
Posted by Rosa Winkel (# 11424) on
:
Aw man, this is gutting. I got this news while on holiday in Italy. Just got back. Yesterday I saw a bird that I have no idea what it is, and remembered a time when I saw some kind of stilt in Bulgaria and he popped up on Facebook telling me more about them; I would have hoped that I could ask him what this bird was, birds being one of many subjects he knew a lot about.
Our first discussions here were argumentative, but as time when on I got to respect him a lot, and on Facebook he came across as a totally sound guy, same as here. I'd never thought that socialism can go with libertarianism, and it was his words that took me to Marxist-Anarchism.
May be rest in peace and rise in glory.
(It would be good, if it hasn't been done already, to have a ship service of remembrance, like what happened for Erin)
Posted by Gamaliel (# 812) on
:
Wow ... Persephone ...
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on
:
Persephone, that was just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Posted by nickel (# 8363) on
:
I'm so sorry
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Curiosity killed ...:
I'm not sure this is much help, but the last thing he said to me on the Thursday night was: Where's my daughter? where 's [name]? ~ which I took as a sign he'd had enough and I should go.
I'm not sure what the timings were - what time you were there, who came when, all that - but if that was the Thursday right before the Monday on which he died there's a very real chance that was the last full sentence he spoke. After that it was all single words and mumbled syllables.
I am, I confess, crying almost too hard to type.
[ 26. May 2014, 22:09: Message edited by: Persephone Hazard ]
Posted by Celtic Knotweed (# 13008) on
:
It's taken me a week to be able to read the thread, as I'm usually reading at work - not a good plan with this one. If we could get to the wake we would. Instead, Sandemaniac and I will raise a beer or 3 to him that evening.
Posted by Dormouse (# 5954) on
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Beautiful writing Persephone.
God bless.
Posted by Ethne Alba (# 5804) on
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Posted by Meerkat (# 16117) on
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I never knew Ken, but I always read his posts with interest and amusement... so I felt that I knew him, IYKWIM.
May he rest in peace in God's kingdom. Prayers for all his family and friends left behind!
Posted by Erroneous Monk (# 10858) on
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Only just seen this.
My heart and thoughts and prayers go out to you, Persephone Hazard.
I loved Ken.
Please could someone PM me details for the funeral service.
Posted by Jenny Ann (# 3131) on
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Funeral details.
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
My father's funeral will be at 12pm on Friday June 13th, at St John's Church (addresses at the end). After the service, some will proceed to the burial at Brockley Cemetery, while others will stay at the church for tea and such. We'll all reconvene at the Rising Sun (dad's local of twenty-five years, down the hill from the church) for the kind of wake he would have wanted - lots of beer, lots of celebration, and lots of remembrance. Here are some other things you might want to know:
- My dad hated cut flowers; he called them "murdered plants". As such, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St John's Church - an institution to which he was devoted for a quarter of a century.
- Everyone is welcome to come to the funeral service. If you only knew him online but would quite like to come, come. If you'd want to be there but would feel more comfortable accompanied by (for example) your partner who is someone my dad never met, bring them.
- Everyone is also welcome at the burial, but space will be a little limited - we will after all be at the graveside. As such, some of you may wish to stay behind and rejoin the family and close friends at the pub afterwards.
- Even if you can't take time off work for the funeral (or otherwise can't be there), we'd love you to consider coming to the wake in the pub that evening anyway. After all, it's a Friday night - it's what he would have wanted!
- If you'd like to visit him in the Chapel of Rest prior to the funeral, you're very welcome to - please ask me for details of how to do this and I will get them to you.
St John's can be found at: St John’s Church, St John’s Vale, SE8 4EA
The Rising Sun is: 120 Loampit Hill, SE13 7SN
Despite the confusingly different addresses, the two are actually on the same road as each other - ten minutes walk in a straight line downhill!
Any questions, please just ask.
We can't attend in person, but will be there in spirit.
J
Posted by Erroneous Monk (# 10858) on
:
Thank you
Posted by Tina (# 63) on
:
In the words of another Shippie's Facebook comment, 'Most wonderful invite to a funeral ... ever'
Thank you Persephone, busyknitter and all the family for sharing your grieving and your memories of Ken with us.
Posted by The Scrumpmeister (# 5638) on
:
I seldom pass through here these days and managed to miss this. I am in disbelief.
Ken and I spent over a decade rubbing each other up the wrong way and butting heads. He was one of those people with whom I disagreed on much but wanted to agree with on so very much because of the respectfully forthright manner and firm conviction with which he expressed what he believed to be right, and good, and true. I hope that he knew of my respect for him.
May his memory be eternal.
O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who have trampled down death, overthrown the devil, and given life to your world; do now, O same Lord, give rest to the soul of your departed servant in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose; where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which he has committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For You are a good God Who loves mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for You alone are without sin, your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your word is truth.
For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of your servant who has fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with your Father who is without origin, and your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on
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Is someone going to MW Ken's funeral?
Auntie Doris x
Posted by Jade Constable (# 17175) on
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I don't think I can make it to the funeral (I'm housesitting then and the journey's a bit of a trek, and don't want to leave the house empty for that long) but will raise a glass to Ken and light a candle for him.
Definitely would like to raise a glass to him at Greenbelt too.
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
:
Auntie Doris asked:
quote:
Is someone going to MW Ken's funeral?
I hope so, and I know Miss Amanda would like a report for the benefit of Shippies on the wrong side of London/the Pond/the Equator.
I'm willing to do it, but I don't want to step on toes if someone who knew him better is keen. I am also happy to collaborate (ie compare notes in the Rising Sun afterwards and share the draft).
Posted by Twangist (# 16208) on
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That's a great idea please do.
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on
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AJ (Mr Emma Louise) is hoping to go. We'd both go, but don't think bringing small people is a good idea, so he will represent us.
Still can't quite believe it.
Posted by daisydaisy (# 12167) on
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So sad - I shall miss his wit and wise view on things. I looked forward to reading his posts when I was following a thread.
Persephone Hazard, Busyknitter May your memories of the good times grow stronger.
Posted by Smudgie (# 2716) on
:
I was hoping to go to the funeral but would have to take the whole day off work to do so, which isn't practical (especially with the implications for the job I do). So I will be there in spirit and supporting with prayers.
Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on
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I have managed to arrange to be not working on Fri 13th, so plan to be there. Perhaps we should do a head count of how many of us are hoping to make it?
[ 30. May 2014, 18:34: Message edited by: Gracious rebel ]
Posted by Dinghy Sailor (# 8507) on
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Ken, rest in peace and rise in glory. I'll look forward to some beer & theology when He makes all things new
Posted by A Feminine Force (# 7812) on
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Several days (years) late and coming up short. I logged back into the Ship today after an aeon and this is just heartbreaking.
Love and hugs to family and Shipmates missing and mourning him.
Ken, adieu. We never saw eye to eye but I still loved you. Happy trails.
LAFF
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
I have managed to arrange to be not working on Fri 13th, so plan to be there. Perhaps we should do a head count of how many of us are hoping to make it?
Two.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Emma Louise:
AJ (Mr Emma Louise) is hoping to go. We'd both go, but don't think bringing small people is a good idea, so he will represent us.
Still can't quite believe it.
Obviously bringing children to things is complicated and stressful for a million reasons, but from our perspective they're very welcome.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
quote:
Originally posted by Emma Louise:
AJ (Mr Emma Louise) is hoping to go. We'd both go, but don't think bringing small people is a good idea, so he will represent us.
Still can't quite believe it.
Obviously bringing children to things is complicated and stressful for a million reasons, but from our perspective they're very welcome.
Ditto from us.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by busyknitter:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
quote:
Originally posted by Emma Louise:
AJ (Mr Emma Louise) is hoping to go. We'd both go, but don't think bringing small people is a good idea, so he will represent us.
Still can't quite believe it.
Obviously bringing children to things is complicated and stressful for a million reasons, but from our perspective they're very welcome.
Ditto from us.
I'm afraid I was already totally speaking for you there; otherwise I'd just have said 'me' ;-)
Posted by hatless (# 3365) on
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I only just stumbled across this sad, sad news. I'm kicking myself for being too busy/away/disengaged, and half wondering why I didn't feel a disturbance in the force.
Deepest respect.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
I have managed to arrange to be not working on Fri 13th, so plan to be there. Perhaps we should do a head count of how many of us are hoping to make it?
I'll be there.
Posted by JoannaP (# 4493) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
I have managed to arrange to be not working on Fri 13th, so plan to be there. Perhaps we should do a head count of how many of us are hoping to make it?
I am hoping to make it.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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I am hoping to come to the funeral, then I have to go back to w*rk for a meeting but can return for the meet in the evening, if that's still happening by then.
Posted by M. (# 3291) on
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Like Curiosity Killed, I intend to be at the funeral but will then have to go back to work. Don't know about the evening.
M.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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Tina & I will be there
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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Our tickets are bought, so I will be there with TME and the Elf Lass (who will almost certainly need feeding at some point during the service, but otherwise is pretty laid back so shouldn't be disruptive. We'll try and sit on the end of a pew so we can make a quick getaway to calm her down if she gets too moany). We are staying with my parents so heading to get the train back about 3.30, so won't be at the wake.
Posted by angelica37 (# 8478) on
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just heard the news, Eternal rest Ken, though we never met his were always posts worth reading
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
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I'll be there.
Jack the Lass, so pleased you are able to come. I knew you would want to but figured that it's really quite a distance.
Would anyone be up for meeting up beforehand? I seem to remember we did that for Gambit's funeral and I for one found it quite helpful to go into the church with people.
Posted by JoannaP (# 4493) on
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Yangtze,
That does sound like a good plan.
Posted by Emma Louise (# 3571) on
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Thanks Persephone, that's kind of you. I think it will be just AJ though.
AJ is interested in meeting up before with other ship people - I'll get him back on the ship to post.
Posted by luvanddaisies (# 5761) on
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Been away, just back, just seen this sad news - so sorry for your loss Persephone & busyknitter.
Posted by aj (# 1383) on
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*Dusts cobwebs off my SOF browser tab*
Yes - I'd be up for meeting beforehand.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Yangtze:
Would anyone be up for meeting up beforehand? I seem to remember we did that for Gambit's funeral and I for one found it quite helpful to go into the church with people.
Due to the vagaries of early morning rail travel from the South West, I'm expected to arrive at St Johns station an hour before the service starts. Was planning to use the time to have some breakfast, but I'm happy to meet up with people as well.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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Count us in too
Posted by Hazey*Jane (# 8754) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:
quote:
Originally posted by Yangtze:
Would anyone be up for meeting up beforehand? I seem to remember we did that for Gambit's funeral and I for one found it quite helpful to go into the church with people.
Due to the vagaries of early morning rail travel from the South West, I'm expected to arrive at St Johns station an hour before the service starts. Was planning to use the time to have some breakfast, but I'm happy to meet up with people as well.
Be aware that very few local trains stop at St Johns, but many stop at Lewisham which is not far, which may give you more options in your journey planning.
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
:
I was just about to PM Ken to ask him if there were any cafes near his church. Doh.
Also Marvin, what on earth are you doing coming from the south-west?
(Hah, autocorrect changed that to caves. He'd've liked that.)
[ 04. June 2014, 23:02: Message edited by: Yangtze ]
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
:
I don't know what there is right by the church (Persephone will know better than me) but there will certainly be places by both Lewsisham and New Cross Gate stations, which are each about a mile walk from St. Johns, in opposite directions.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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Nowhere near a mile! Half a mile at most, and each in a straight line at that. Not a brilliant spot for cafes, though there are certainly *some* all along the way.
[ 05. June 2014, 11:06: Message edited by: Persephone Hazard ]
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Hazey*Jane:
Be aware that very few local trains stop at St Johns, but many stop at Lewisham which is not far, which may give you more options in your journey planning.
My ticket is already bought, so it'll have to be St Johns.
quote:
Originally posted by Yangtze:
Also Marvin, what on earth are you doing coming from the south-west?
I'm on cricket tour in Devon next week.
Posted by M. (# 3291) on
:
I should arrive at St John's at around 11.15.
M.
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
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In case not noticed,there is a separate thread for bellringers for the funeral. We will be gathering from 11:00 to ring before the service. PM me or join the other thread if you can and will ring, please! It won't be fancy ringing at all. They are not fancy bells and we are simple folk.
Posted by Ecclesiastical Flip-flop (# 10745) on
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I have responded on the other thread for bellringers. I am contemplating going along, but I haven't made up my mind.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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I'd really, really like it if someone MWed the service, by the way. I love that there's such a report of Gambit's funeral, and I've gone back to it often (including just now, which prompted me making this post!).
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
I'd really, really like it if someone MWed the service, by the way. I love that there's such a report of Gambit's funeral, and I've gone back to it often (including just now, which prompted me making this post!).
We need someone to MW it so we can share in the experience!
Auntie Doris x
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
:
As I said upthread, I am willing to do it, but I would like other people's input as well. I have lined up a volunteer to monitor the start, which I might miss as I shall be stuck up the bell tower until the last minute.
But yes, there will certainly be a report! If anyone else wants to take it on, I will step back and let you do so.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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I'm sure we can put a decent report together between us
Posted by Lietuvos Sv. Kazimieras (# 11274) on
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Shocking. In the midst of life we are in death. Light and refreshment eternal.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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So when & where are we meeting?
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
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At 11 o'clock or thereabouts in the bell tower, please Spike. The rest of them, I dunno.
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
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Sorry, I won't be ringing. As I don't ring regularly, I don't think I'm up to service ringing, especially if St John's bells are as hard as people say they are.
ETA: I hate it when this happens at the top of the page. This was in response to Deputy Verger.
[ 10. June 2014, 21:20: Message edited by: Spike ]
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
:
Okay, I understand that. You're not the only one. We should have four locals, and a couple of shipmates, so we will be ringing anyway, but do come up to the belfry and say hi.
I'm not a great ringer but I don't feel too pressured as Ken wasn't a ringer at all!
I hope you will collaborate on a report for the MW section of the ship, and we also have a request for a "Shipmeet" photo for the report.
See you on Friday...
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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Speaking of photos, I'd love it if people took lots at the wake and posted them somewhere.
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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If all goes well London Underground-wise in terms of getting us across London, our train arrives at St Johns at 11.21. I assume we're just going to head straight to the church (so should arrive there at around 11.22 ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
). The forecast looks good, so providing the Elf Lass isn't too restless we'll probably just hang around till we spot someone we know.
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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Of course, I shan't meet any of you before the service because I'll be arriving by Big Black Shiny Hired Car along with busyknitter and the rest of the family. But I'll see you all there.
Posted by aj (# 1383) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
If all goes well London Underground-wise in terms of getting us across London, our train arrives at St Johns at 11.21. I assume we're just going to head straight to the church (so should arrive there at around 11.22 ). The forecast looks good, so providing the Elf Lass isn't too restless we'll probably just hang around till we spot someone we know.
I will do something similar (although it will just be me).
Posted by Pants (# 999) on
:
Really gutted not to be able to make it to the day. Looking forward to seeing the MW and photos.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
I don't know how tomorrow is going to pan out, yet. Plan A was that I saw my student briefly to catch up and he got away with a short session so I could come to the funeral. There is now a Plan B where someone else covers my session with my student, which would mean I am in time to meet beforehand. However, I am not in great hopes that the person covering will meet my student today and if that plan fails, I suspect we will revert to Plan A.
Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on
:
So where are we meeting beforehand? I expect to be in the vicinity soon after 11am, would be good to get a coffee before the service, and meet up with at least one other person to go into the church with. Its a long long time since I met any of you others, and not very confident that I would recognise anyone!
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
:
I don't know the area at all but according to street view on google maps there seems to be a greasy spoon type cafe on Lewisham Way (between Wickham Rd & St John's Vale) called College Cafe.
I'll aim to be there around 11am.
Of course google maps could be old and it could be long gone. Fingers crossed.
Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
:
I never knew Ken except as a fellow-traveller on this vessel, but I will be remembering him, his family and all Shippies who are going to represent the Ship tomorrow at his funeral.
Ken, rest in peace and rise in glory.
Posted by rosamundi (# 2495) on
:
I thought I'd posted saying I was planning to come, but it doesn't look like I did. See you there.
Posted by Adrienne (# 2334) on
:
I will be thinking of you all today.
For Ken's family, especially Persephone and busyknitter
And for Ken
... let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light ... whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are for ever one.
Posted by Stejjie (# 13941) on
:
I didn't know ken all that well (not even on the Ship), but am praying for him and you all today.
May God comfort you all and bless you all (if that doesn't sound weird!) today.
Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on
:
for all of you attending today, and may those of you making long or complicated trips have stress free journeys.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by aj:
quote:
Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
If all goes well London Underground-wise in terms of getting us across London, our train arrives at St Johns at 11.21. I assume we're just going to head straight to the church (so should arrive there at around 11.22 ). The forecast looks good, so providing the Elf Lass isn't too restless we'll probably just hang around till we spot someone we know.
I will do something similar (although it will just be me).
Likewise. My train is still almost on time, so I should be there at about 11 or just after.
Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on
:
Thinking and praying today: for ken's friends and family, for all travelling to the funeral, and of course for the repose of the soul of our dear friend ken.
Posted by Wesley J (# 6075) on
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Posted by M. (# 3291) on
:
Hoping to arrive at St Johns station at 11.21.
M.
Posted by Abigail (# 1672) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Stejjie:
I didn't know ken all that well (not even on the Ship), but am praying for him and you all today.
Me too...
Posted by Diomedes (# 13482) on
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Posted by Heavenly Anarchist (# 13313) on
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Posted by Vulpior (# 12744) on
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Posted by Ferijen (# 4719) on
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Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on
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Posted by Niminypiminy (# 15489) on
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Posted by Ann (# 94) on
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Speak no more of his renown,
Lay your earthly fancies down,
And in the vast cathedral leave him,
God accept him, Christ receive him!
for Ken, his family and friends
Posted by Sioni Sais (# 5713) on
:
ken, Persephone Hazard, busyknitter and all ken's friends and family are very much on my mind at the moment.
Posted by ElaineC (# 12244) on
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Posted by Jengie Jon (# 273) on
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Posted by Drifting Star (# 12799) on
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Posted by St Everild (# 3626) on
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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on
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Posted by basso (# 4228) on
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Posted by Telepath (# 3534) on
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Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
There will be a photo of the assembled Shippies at the funeral, much, much later. But it exists.
Amazing service - packed church, so many memories of ken.
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
:
for Persephone Hazard, Busyknitter and for the repose of Ken's soul.
Posted by Ags (# 204) on
:
I couldn't be with you all today as I'm on holiday in Tuscany. So I found a church, the Duomo in Sansepolco, and lit a candle in front of a beautiful 10th century crucifix and prayed for you all and for Ken.
May his memory be eternal.
Peace
Liz
Posted by Sandemaniac (# 12829) on
:
Celtic Knotweed and I will raise a glass tonight. We still hope to be in at some later ringing event.
AG
Posted by Raptor Eye (# 16649) on
:
RIP Ken.
Raising a drink to you as I post.
Posted by ecumaniac (# 376) on
:
I thought I'd make it in for the wake but that is unlikely now.
from afar
Posted by RuthW (# 13) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Raptor Eye:
RIP Ken.
Raising a drink to you as I post.
It's 9:30 a.m. right now here in California, so I'm raising a coffee cup. But I'm remembering an emphatic post about how you have to ease your way into the day with tea, and only later move on to coffee.
Posted by kentishmaid (# 4767) on
:
I have had a couple of pints of Spitfire in honour of Ken. It seems appropriate. I am glad to hear he has had an appropriately wonderful send off but so sad that it had to happen so soon.
for Ken & family & friends and the whole community of folk who valued him.
Posted by Twangist (# 16208) on
:
intermitant prayer throughout the day.
One Ale down at this point.
for all whom Ken left behind
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
:
Checking in moderately pissed ( isn't it amazing how a large quantity of beer spread over a long period of time doesn't have too bad an effect)
The funeral service was wonderful - exactly what Ken would have wanted . A mystery Worship report will be posted in due course.
Lots af reminiscing and lots of beer followed at the Rising Sun. The chicken curry was bloody good too.
All in all, Ken had a brilliant send off. Rest In peace and rise in glory mate
Posted by Eliab (# 9153) on
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It was a truly personal funeral. Full of memories and love and faith. Four people gave tributes to ken, all of them spoke superbly, ken's daughter especially made us realise what a wonderful man we have lost. In as much as a funeral ever can be good, it was.
RIP, ken.
Posted by Tractor Girl (# 8863) on
:
Only just caught up with his passing. Glad it seemed to be a good funeral. RIP Ken, will never forget his wisdom and wit. Will especially miss bumping in to him at Greenbelt.
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
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Funeral was beautiful and special and moving and lots of other things for which there are no words. Wake was good, drinking beer in the sunshine, remembering and celebrating him. Veggie curry was good too Spike.
As I walked to the church from the station this morning I had the oddest sense of being buoyed up, cushioned, by all the Shipmates around the world who were thinking and praying for Ken, family and friends today. Thank you.
Posted by Og: Thread Killer (# 3200) on
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Beer raised tonight.
Posted by Meg the Red (# 11838) on
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Mug of tea raised toward the east.
Posted by ChastMastr (# 716) on
:
Oh God
I didn't know
I'm so sorry
God bless and keep you, ken, and your loved ones too
XXX OOO
Amen
Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on
:
Cup raised in salut here in Oz.
Posted by CuppaT (# 10523) on
:
Nearly a month later and I did not know.
Memory Eternal. My prayers also for Ken and his family, and for all of us with broken hearts.
Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on
:
MW report has been posted.
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
:
Photos from the funeral. I also put the other photos I have of ken in the same album.
Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on
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Nice to see the Ship logo displayed.
Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on
:
quote:
Originally posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe:
MW report has been posted.
"Ken would have loved that it was Friday the 13th... " Totally!
Great last line.
Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on
:
quote:
The family had prepared a beautiful order of service based on the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, featuring all the words needed and three wonderful photos of Ken.
During the tributes, we were told that they had scoured the Ship for typographical advice, finding the answer here.
Posted by Auntie Doris (# 9433) on
:
The last line of the MW worship report really made me chuckle.
Good work everyone. Sounds like it was a wonderful send-off.
Auntie Doris x
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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I guessed at 400 present, according to ken's daughter, the church warden team reckoned 350. (I count service attendances regularly)
Posted by Spike (# 36) on
:
I have to take issue with one bit of the report though with the presumption that those who didn't receive communion were "Labour Party types". This is extremely unfair. Ken had a lot of friends who wouldnt have identified as Christians, and a few in his own family. They weren't necessarily Labour Party types. Remember, Ken was one of those "Labour Party types" himself, as am I and, I suspect, many people who DID receive communion.
Apart from that, it's a great report.
Posted by Gracious rebel (# 3523) on
:
Marvin made a telling comment at the pub afterwards, that he was actually rather disappointed that we didn't get to sing the Red Flag in the end;- it had been the only circumstances he could imagine where he would have been happy to sing such an anthem, since it espouses a political stance that is the antithesis to his own, but for Ken it was entirely fitting.
Posted by Jude (# 3033) on
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I enjoyed Ken's contributions to the discussion boards. RIPRIG Ken.
Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on
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The MW report was wonderful. Thank you to the "Tribes" who collaborated on it. Again, rest in peace, ken; and to all of you who loved him, my deepest sympathies.
Posted by Yangtze (# 4965) on
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Great report, thanks so much for doing it.
(Agree with Spike re the Labour Party types comment, could it be edited out? Also, a minor quibble, they weren't box pews.)
Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Yangtze:
Agree with Spike re the Labour Party types comment, could it be edited out?
The comment has been removed.
Posted by Pants (# 999) on
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Brilliant. Thank you for the MW and the photos, and to those who went representing the Ship.
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
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Thanks for taking out the Labour Party comment.
I also thought the numbers were closer to 300 but when I asked one of the wardens he said 225. I was sure it was more than that.
And Yangtze is right - they weren't box pews, but boxy, with partitions, and fixed, and bordered, kind of like the serif font equivalent of pews. I wonder if they might have had doors back in the day?
Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
The MW report was wonderful. Thank you to the "Tribes" who collaborated on it. Again, rest in peace, ken; and to all of you who loved him, my deepest sympathies.
I could not say that any better. Thanks to those of you who represented all of us at ken's funeral.
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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It was such a privilege to be there - with ken, and God, infused throughout the service. I was fine, thinking I could hold it all together, and was flicking through the order of service before it all started, and then I saw the final hymn was to be The Red Flag, and that was it. Dammit ken, that was perfect.
Thank you for editing out that Labour Party comment on the MW - with that gone it is a brilliant reflection of the service. I hadn't realised that it was possible to edit MW reports once they were up, perhaps I'll contact Miss Amanda about a report of mine from 2006, there's something added by an editor which has always really bugged me!
Posted by Amanda B. Reckondwythe (# 5521) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
I hadn't realised that it was possible to edit MW reports once they were up, perhaps I'll contact Miss Amanda about a report of mine from 2006, there's something added by an editor which has always really bugged me!
By all means, PM me about it. I'm happy to consider requests to amend published reports -- not that I'll always agree, however. ![[Disappointed]](graemlins/disappointed.gif)
Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on
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(sorry to hijack the thread) Thanks Miss Amanda, I've just checked the report, and the thing that had bugged me has already been changed. I honestly can't remember contacting anyone about it, so I wonder if it was someone from the church who objected and got it changed? (for the curious, and if it wasn't so spectacularly not-the-thing-to-have-called-him it would have been funny, the edited report referred to the minister of a Wee Wee Free church as 'Father', whereas when I had submitted the report I had referred to him as 'Revd MacLeod'. It's been changed to 'Pastor MacLeod' which I can live with. Actually I think ken might have found that quite amusing).
I was just thinking about ken's funeral again, and how he had had so much input into the service, and what a brilliant service it was, and it got me thinking I'd really like him to plan my funeral. And then I remembered... Bugger.
Posted by Deputy Verger (# 15876) on
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Yes, that reminds me of one of the things that distracted me was when I saw Ken's dates on the centre-spread photo and realised he was not that far off my own age. I decided it wasn't a bad bunch of hymns, and for the first time started thinking about my own funeral!
When someone's life is cut untimely short like that, you do realise it could happen to any of us.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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Here are the photos that I took on Friday; mainly family snaps that may not mean much to other folk, but I did manage to get round and take a picture of each table in the pub garden, including the Ship contingent. There is also a shot of the amazing picture gallery put together by Ken's Labout Party friends.
Pictures from Ken's wake
Posted by Persephone Hazard (# 4648) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Jack the Lass:
I was just thinking about ken's funeral again, and how he had had so much input into the service, and what a brilliant service it was, and it got me thinking I'd really like him to plan my funeral. And then I remembered... Bugger.
The truth is, that has to a certain extent been...overstated. What he actually said to me was something more along the lines of "Just...do it properly. You know what I mean. Get it right. Proper Anglican funeral. All the traditional stuff. Just do it properly."
I had a *bit* more to work from than that, but not a lot. So you might be in luck ;-)
Posted by piglet (# 11803) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Persephone Hazard:
... Proper Anglican funeral. All the traditional stuff. Just do it properly."
I sincerely hope that's what my nearest and dearest would do for me - I couldn't ask for more.
Although I didn't know Ken, I found the MW report very moving; I was reminded of my brother-in-law's funeral. Although in a different tradition (he was a Baptist), the circumstances were similar: he was about the same age, he'd been a deacon in the church, they had to bring in extra seats and there was a certain sense of light-heartedness and hope.
Once again, RIP.
Posted by Divine Outlaw (# 2252) on
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It was a good send-off for a good man. RIP
Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on
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Read a lot of Ken's posts over the years, wish I'd been there for the send-off; may take some hints from him to use in thirty years time if I live to be ninety as my aunt already has! My grandparents were Anglican as is my wife to this day....
Posted by Curiosity killed ... (# 11770) on
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Sitting in the pub garden reminded me that ken's most recent photos were from there - and of so many other things that interested him.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Gracious rebel:
Marvin made a telling comment at the pub afterwards, that he was actually rather disappointed that we didn't get to sing the Red Flag in the end;- it had been the only circumstances he could imagine where he would have been happy to sing such an anthem, since it espouses a political stance that is the antithesis to his own, but for Ken it was entirely fitting.
There's a time for political principles, and there's a time to just sing the damn song.
And it would have been his last, greatest joke at my expense, which is why I was a bit disappointed it didn't happen.
Posted by Ecclesiastical Flip-flop (# 10745) on
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It occurs to me that the order of service does not say whether the water sprinkled over the coffin was holy, or otherwise. I suspect the Bishop of Woolwich who administered it, also provided it, in which case, he presumably would have blessed it beforehand. Bearing in mind that Christian ceremononial is supposed to be right-handed, I seem to remember noticing he moved round the coffin in the opposite direction. Dare I say it with no undertones intended - widdershins.
Posted by Tree Bee (# 4033) on
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A moving report, thank you.
So glad so many shipmates attended.
Posted by leo (# 1458) on
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Ditto - wish I could have been there. Would have loved to see marvyn the M join in the Red Flag - there are so few of us 'left' who know the words.
Re- 'holy' water (without wishing to trespass too much on Ecclesiantics matters) sprinking is a reminder of baptism so it matters not whether the water was blessed IMO.
As regards widdershins, my vicar is left-handed so censes and asperses in 'the wrong direction' too. Which is right for him.
Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Ecclesiastical Flip-flop:
It occurs to me that the order of service does not say whether the water sprinkled over the coffin was holy, or otherwise.
According to the Bishop, it was holy.
Posted by welsh dragon (# 3249) on
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Which hymns got chosen, in the end? (excuse curiosity)
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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quote:
Originally posted by welsh dragon:
Which hymns got chosen, in the end? (excuse curiosity)
And Can It Be
Jerusalem
Amazing Grace
Be Thou My Vision
The Red Flag (sung at the graveside, as already mentioned)
Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on
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This is really sad. I've only just found out, through seeing the MW report. I was abroad most of May and haven't been on the Ship much since I got back.
I never met Ken, but he talked a lot of sense and wisdom. He also said it well. I'm sure there would have been things we'd have disagreed on, but I felt he was someone I'd like to have known - and now on this side of the great divide, I never shall.
Posted by Dark Knight (# 9415) on
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Only just saw this. Very sad news. RIPRIG ken
Posted by Taliesin (# 14017) on
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Yes, I came back from some shoreleave and was so sad to see this news. I was very fond of Ken.
I can't imagine him being somewhere he can no longer enjoy a good argument, but I'm sure he's taken it in his stride.
Posted by busyknitter (# 2501) on
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Oops, I just realised I had the privacy settings wrong on my Flickr page of the wake. Those that want to see them, please try again.
Photos
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