Kenneth ‘Ken’ Seddon was born on 2nd June 1934 in St Helens to Henry and Harriet Seddon. Ken had been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and following a short illness with pneumonia, sadly passed away on 16th July 2012.
Ken was a proud family man and a true gentleman, who loved his dear wife Rita, was a fantastic dad to his daughter, Julie, and a devoted grandad to Samantha and David. Family life was very important to Ken and he loved his regular contact with his brothers Brian and Harry and sisters Frances and Joan.
Rita was Ken’s first and only love. They met at a dance and soon they were courting and, when Ken eventually left the Army, they were married – and went on to have their daughter, Julie. Their family home was in Haydock and they were blessed to have many happy times there and also have lovely neighbours who remained very supportive during Ken’s last days.
When Julie was around 14 or 15 and a little more independent, Ken and Rita joined St Helen’s Rambling Club and a new phase of their lives commenced. Never being a man to do things by halves, Ken was soon involved in all aspects of the club – he has led uncountable numbers of walks – arranged holidays for the club – and became treasurer for many years too. Ken has made very many friends through the Rambling Club: people like Jim and Evelyn, Pat and Geoff and Linda … who shared a particularly special friendship with Ken. Sadly, in his final year, Ken had to stop walking due to his illness but still took great delight in telling his loyal rambling friends which were the best routes and where free parking could be found!
We have been able to collect £465 to contribute to the research at UCL into this respiratory disease and would like to take this opportunity to thank all Ken’s family and friends who so kindly donated. We hope that the continuing research will soon be able to help others with similar conditions.
We all miss Ken so very much and know that friends and family alike are saddened at the passing of a true gentleman. We hope he can now find peace and happiness back with Rita strolling along together in the Lake District.
Tribute by Gary Crossley.
2 thoughts on "A Tribute to Ken Seddon"
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Thank you Gary for a true and fitting tribute to Ken. He and Rita will always be in our hearts and memories, for they were a great couple and made a great number of people happier and ‘healthier’ by just knowing them.
Joan & Vic
Have just found this tribute to Ken whom we didn’t know had passed away. We first met Ken and Rita in 1968 on a holiday in Bournemouth and remained friends all those years. Ken was alway in touch by email and suddenly they stopped. We tried to ring over the last few days but was told we had the wrong number. NOW we know why.
Rest in peace Ken with your beloved Rita, and thanks for all the lovely memories we have of you both.