Remembering Ken….
I came not with whistle, flag, or score,
But with cables, screens, and laptop chores.
Yet through those visits, cup by cup,
A deeper friendship quietly grew up.
We spoke of rugby, laws, and play,
Of referees from yesterday.
You’d tell your stories with knowing grin,
Of matches lost, and hard-fought wins.
Across the Cardiff rugby scene,
You were respected, calm, and keen.
By referees you helped to train,
And players who knew you by name.
A teacher too, in years gone by,
With patient words and steady eye.
You guided many, firm yet fair,
And left your influence everywhere.
You were fair in thought, both calm and wise,
With kindness living in your eyes.
A liberal mind, both warm and true,
The world felt softer talking to you.
Your lovely Sian stood by your side,
With care and strength and faithful pride.
And when the sad news reached my ear,
It brought a silence hard to bear.
Now echoes fade from field and stand,
No whistle rests within your hand.
But memories stay — clear, bright, and strong,
Like Saturday crowds and anthem song.
So here’s to Ken, respected friend,
Whose influence will never end.
Not just a referee admired by many,
But a gentle soul remembered by plenty.
Rest in peace, Ken — from Mark, your IT helper, with gratitude and respect.
Mark Bridges
06/06/2026
