Uncle Ken brought so much laughter
COMEDY legend Ken Dodd has been remembered in Runcorn following his death at the age of 90.
The comic had several deep links with the town.
Not only did he have a spell as director at Runcorn Football Club during the Canal Street era, but he was also a high profile and loyal backer of a project for young people from difficult backgrounds.
Sir Ken had also been a visitor to Heath Business And Technical Park where his nephew John Lewis was, and remains, the managing director of the site’s owners SOG.
Mr Lewis, who hailed his uncle as ‘unique’, joined Ken’s widow Lady Anne Dodd as she spoke to reporters outside the Dodds’ Knotty Ash home where the comedian had lived all his life.
Also to pay tribute was Norma Hornby MBE, who had hosted Ken many times during his patronage of the Canal Boat Adventure Project (CBAP) in Runcorn – a scheme that supports young people from what have been described as ‘impossible backgrounds’, supporting them to break the binds of the challenges they have faced and to succeed in education and life.
CBAP participants from as far back as the 1970s had been in touch to share their memories in tribute, she said. WK07/18 - Giveaway vouchers valid Wed 14th to Tue 27th March 2018 ●
His unswerving support for the charity resulted in a group of youths renaming a canal boat Happy Ness in reference to Ken’s hit cover version of the song Happiness, which had been a country music single released in 1963, a year earlier than Ken’s version.
The comedian was knighted in 2017, and was still performing as late as December 28, when he performed his last show in his hometown of Liverpool – a ‘poignant’ moment referred to by John Lewis in his tribute.
Mr Lewis said he and other family members were ‘very sad’ but had been left with ‘so many fond memories and smiles’. 40” Full HD Freeview 1080p Smart TV Verona 4 Seater Dining Set
He said: “Happiness was my Uncle Ken’s trademark and he never ceased to make people laugh.
“Personally, I am very grateful for the support and advice he gave to me.
“He was very proud of my own achievements in the world of business and he always showed great interest in what Linda and our children Ryan and Beccy were doing.
“My lasting memory of my Uncle Ken will be of the fun, laughter and happiness he brought to his family, as well as to all his fans who he entertained throughout his most extraordinary career.
“Of course, we will all miss him EARNS YOU greatly, but we will forever remember him with a smile.”
Mrs Hornby said: “I have been astounded by the number of Facebook messages I have received from former children and young people who benefited from Ken’s patronage of the Canal Boat Adventure Project from the 1970s onward as well as from the Nessie Club.
“I doubt whether any patron of any other local charity has ever given so much time and commitment over 40 years and of course Runcorn and Widnes were the two towns were Ken Dodd started giving his early performances.” Henry Turbo Vacuum Cleaner Hanging Egg Chair The Discount Department Store