I met Ken at Classic Sounds, an instrumental music school that used to run in Kelmscott. He was my first student of the teaching day, and we quickly formed a great friendship during our lessons. I have taught Ken for approximately 2 years, and in this time, despite his declining health, Ken has always been a very cheerful and inspiring individual. He started learning piano at 72... who does that?! Only a great man like Ken, with a smiling face and a willingness to learn and achieve.
When Classic Sounds closed down, we continued lessons at Ken’s home. This is when our friendship really grew, because we didn’t have to abide by social norms and behave “appropriately” like when we were in the music school. Along with learning piano, we would share laughs, stories and jokes – you know the kind – the Ken kind!
Another thing that really amazed and inspired me was how mentally engaged Ken liked to keep. He showed me how he used to plan the dancing coordination of his square dancing group. This was no joke in terms of complexity, but he would challenge himself and come up with a dancing routine that would be suitable for the group that he was leading. He would explain it all to me with such enthusiasm! This is a world that I had no previous exposure to, but there were so many overlapping concepts between the music that I was teaching Ken, and the dancing routines that he was coordinating.
Ken’s artistic inclination, growth mindset, and cheerful personality always made him such an absolute joy to spend time with. I feel highly privileged that I got to spend time with you, Ken. I am sorry I am unable to be physically present at the funeral due to moving house. I hope I can be like you when I’m older - active, witty, humorous, and resilient. I have told many of my friends and students about you over the last 2 years. They have all found the stories inspiring, understandably so! I will continue to think of you as I continue to share your story with those around me that I feel need some encouragement to, as you say, “keep going until you can’t keep going!”. We will all miss you deeply, but it is impossible not to smile when we think of you, Ken. I hope you are enjoying freshly brewed coffee from some “hairless beans” in the afterlife! I shall continue to make such mischief in your honour.
Rest in peace, my friend. I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with you.