Since the sad passing of our friend Ken Deaville, we’ve been touched by the tributes paid to “the man in the window” by Hassocks players past and present and the wider Sussex football community.
It’s clear that Ken made a lasting impact on both regulars to the Beacon and those who only visited once a season, either as officials or supporters of other clubs or as ground hoppers. Here are just some of the messages we’ve received about Ken over the past couple of weeks.
“Very sad news, great supporter and enthusiasm for the club. Will be missed.”
Mark Dalgleish, Hassocks manager
“Very sad news to hear! RIP Ken. Thoughts to the family! X”
Ashley Marsh, former Hassocks captain
“Very sad to hear, a lovely man, at every game and always up for a chat, RIP Ken.”
Joe Fernley, former Hassocks midfielder
“RIP Ken, sorry to hear this sad news. A truly lovely guy.”
Spencer Slaughter, former Hassocks midfielder
“Very sad news RIP Ken and my thoughts are with he’s family.”
Lee Darbyshire, former Hassocks defender
“Very sad news.. stalwart of the club indeed.. him and Maurice Boxall were the epitome of lifelong supporters.. he will be missed.”
Paul Elphick, former Hassocks Programme Editor
“Sad to hear this news. RIP Ken.”
Neil Smith, former Hassocks striker
“Sorry to hear this sad news. He was a gentleman.”
James Laing, former Hassocks striker
“Such sad news. He will be missed.”
Jake Lindsey, former Hassocks striker
“Sad news. RIP Ken.”
Michael Death, former Hassocks striker
“So sad, such a gent and stalwart of the Club. RIP Ken, thoughts with everyone at the Club and Ken’s family.”
Ashley Slaughter, ex-Sussex County FA and referee
“Very sad to hear this news. Always a pleasure to visit Hassocks, he was an excellent host. Our thoughts are with Ken’s family and friends at this time.”
Horsham YMCA
“The supporters of Peacehaven FC are saddened to hear of the passing of a great non league man. Condolences to his family and his friends at the club.”
Peacehaven Wild Kids, Peacehaven & Telscombe supporters
“Very sad news. He was always the perfect host.”
Crawley Down Gatwick
“RIP Ken – remember you well at Hassocks you were a proper gentleman x”
Princess Goodwin, Steyning Town
“Our condolences – a real character of grassroots football.”
John Rea, Haywards Heath Town
“Sorry to hear that… always made us feel very welcome …RIP Keith.”
Pagham
“Sorry to hear this, condolences from everyone at Langney Wanderers.”
Steve Roberts, Langney Wanderers
“So sorry to hear a lovely man always made you fill welcome; Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.”
Joe Knight, Sports Photographer
“Really sad news – always very hospitable and kind to us visiting officials.”
Jack Taylor, Lancing
“I remember him well when visiting to follow Horley a few weeks ago. Loved the eccentricity. RIP.”
John Kavanagh, Horley Town
“Very sad news, please accept our sincere condolences.”
Lingfield
“Very sad news, please accept our sincere condolences.”
Arundel
“Sorry to read this. Very friendly place to watch football. Our condolences.”
Crows Unofficial, Crowborough Athletic supporters
“A genuinely nice man who used to work with my unclear decades ago. Those that stand and support are diminishing.”
Paul Corney
“RIP Ken, our thoughts are with your family at this difficult time.”
Graham Martin
Sad news, and my condolences to the club, friends and family. Not entirely sure, but I think this may be Ken enjoying his favourite vantage point vs. St. Francis Rangers on Boxing Day 2012. pic.twitter.com/1YsvBh27ch
— David Bauckham (@CentreCirclePub) October 16, 2019
Ken back right my Dad back left played all those years ago… Ken attended my Dad’s funeral 5 weeks ago. R.I.P Ken. Perhaps you and Dad can talk football once more xx pic.twitter.com/VI0taj2np0
— Phil Wickwar (@01Wickers) October 16, 2019
Ken’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 6th November at 11.30am at Woodvale Crematorium,
Brighton in the South Chapel. There will be drinks in The Oak Barn, Burgess Hill afterwards.
