Colourful pensioner a regular inspiration
TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Cardiff’s most popular pensioners, who would spend his evenings dancing and drinking in pubs across the city.
Ken Davis, who could usually be found on the dancefloor in Live Lounge or The Kings, sadly died on Saturday, October 17.
The 90-year-old, who would spend his evenings in various pubs across the city, fell ill at the start of the pandemic in March.
His nephew, Phil Goldbold, said it was not being able to go out and have a dance and socialise that led to his declining health.
Ken was a well-known character in Cardiff for selling copies of the South Wales Echo on the streets of Grangetown before he became a staple of the city’s nightlife.
Ken was born in Hove in Sussex in 1930, before finding himself in Grangetown in 1980 and deciding to stay.
“After his parents died he sort of lost contact with his family, he would visit from time to time and then he sort of disappeared. We had a phone call in 2007 saying he was in Cardiff,” said Mr Goldbold, 67.
“He was such a music person, always dancing – there was nothing nasty or bad about him, he was always just pleased to be there and dancing.
“He perked up when he knew he was going out that evening or if he knew one of the carers were coming.
“He’d go to the day centres and say, ‘I don’t want to be there with all the old people’. He was young at heart and just wanted to be out socialising.
“His health had slowly been declining but the pandemic and not being able to go out just got to him in the end.”
Since his death was announced on social media, hundreds of people across the city who met Ken in various bars have paid tribute to him.
One tribute on Ken’s social media page said: “So sorry to hear this sad news RIP Ken you absolute legend, I hope you’re enjoying your sambuca and lemonades up there lovely. RIP you will be missed.”
While another said: “Absolutely devastated by the news of Ken passing away, my days won’t be the same without your cheeky smile. rest in peace my friend.”
One of Ken’s favourite pubs, The Kings on Churchill Way in the city centre, posted its own tribute.
It said: “We are very sad to report that our dear friend Ken passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday evening.
“Ken was known and loved by so many of us, often found dancing around town with a sambuca in hand, and he will be much missed.
“May you rest in peace Ken. Cardiff won’t be the same without you.”