It’s impossible to sum up Ken in a paragraph, but here goes. Ken was a fisherman, rock climber and inveterate fell walker. He had trophies for shooting, cricket and for winning the UCAL cup in 1971. He was loyal, compassionate, a friend, a colleague and an inspiration to many, many people. He was funny, mischievous, intelligent, quick-witted and sharp. He pushed boundaries, tweaked rules when they didn’t make sense and he didn’t suffer fools. He loved whisky, red wine, champagne and chicken sandwiches. His music tastes were eclectic – from Ragtime and Blues through Folk to Rock and Gregorian chants. Playing his guitars was his therapy when he couldn’t go fishing. He was the love of my life, my soulmate, a kindred spirit. He made me laugh. He loved the dogs, our life here, and I’m privileged to say that he loved me. I miss him and I always will. Fly high and in peace my love. Always and forever. Xxxxn
Sonny Landreth – Zydeco Shuffle. This is the last thing Ken played on his guitar – the one he bought when he was 21. He said the music just played itself.
John Prine – Souvenirs. Ken always said he wanted this to be played at his funeral.
Gordon Giltrap – By Angle Tarn. This is really special for both of us, since Ken had it commissioned for my 40th birthday and collaborated on it.
Oysterband – Put Out The Lights. Just because.
la fosse septique and other recipes 
4 thoughts on “Kenneth David Ball: 23/5/51 – 19/12/21”
He was a man of many talents. Highly intelligent very few knew the real Ken, he had a wicked sense of humour and didn’t suffer fools gladly. He found peace and a rare love with Kathryn.
He had an awful taste in music ( he wouldn’t have believed I could be too nice )
RIP Ken
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He was a man of many talents. Highly intelligent very few knew the real Ken, he had a wicked sense of humour and didn’t suffer fools gladly. He found peace and a rare love with Kathryn.
He had an awful taste in music ( he wouldn’t have believed I could be too nice )
RIP Ken
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Me, Graham and Kenny go back 59 years to September 1962 when we all started the same secondary school. (Yes, Ken was always known as Kenny to me and Graham). Not enough space to cram in our teenage years spent camping, youth hosteling, walking and drinking our way around the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes. Great times – stories, tom foolery and events that you couldn’t make up. All three of us got on well, none of us suffering fools gladly, although Kenny was the most cantankerous. We revisited some of our teenage haunts in our late fifties and were fortunate that we made our trip over to France (me, Graham and wives) before the onset of the pandemic. Stories will continue to be told whenever we meet.
RIP Kenny.
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RIP Ken – a very much respected work colleague at West Cumberland Hospital and cricketer for the West Cumbria Medical Team XI.
Typical Yorkshireman – tight with money but with a great sense of humour!
Rodney Burns will have a warm welcome for you !
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