A good number of former playing colleagues of the late Ken Satchwell and Coventry City Former Players Association committee members joined his family and other friends at the funeral of Ken last Thursday (4th February 2016). There were over 70 mourners at the morning ceremony held at a rainy Sutton Coldfield Crematorium as the congregation bid farewell to the former CCFC ‘Bantams’ forward (from 1958-63) who died in hospital aged 76 on January 24th. The Rev. Carolyn Baker, who led the service, referred to Ken’s commitment to his family and his passion for both motor cars and football. She confirmed that Ken’s connection with CCFC and, after he had hung up his boots, the Association had brought him much pleasure over the years!
Ken in 1959-60
Representing the Association at the sad but uplifting ceremony which was infused with the singing of hymns as well as songs from one of Ken’s favourite artistes, Dean Martin were former players Lol Harvey, Brian Nicholas, Bill Tedds and Bob Wesson and friend and founder member Dave Coulson, all of whom are regular sharers of the same FPs table at every Ricoh home game with Ken (and also meet monhly in locally based FP reunions). Also present was former CCFC playing colleague Colin Holder and, from the CCFPA committee, chairman Jim Brown and members Frank Pritchard and Mike Young who got to know Ken well over the years. The attendance from CCFPA members and others would have been even higher but for severe traffic disruption in the area caused by a traffic accident which made some mourners unavoidably late (e.g. Gordon Simms) and others stuck in the traffic jam unable to attend even the wake (e.g. Graham Walker and Ron Farmer).
Thanks to Ken’s children for making everyone so welcome especially after the the ceremony at a gathering at The Tamworth Arms! CCFPA is to make a donation in Ken’s memory to the British Heart foundation. Ken will be missed by many including at Ricoh home games and it is particularly sad he will also miss the upcoming Legends Day, at which he was a regular attender!