Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
How do you sum up the life of someone who had such a positive impact on so many lives? I have been pondering that as I reflect on the recent passing away of (Dr) Ken Kite.
Is it possible to capture in a few paragraphs, the difference that Ken made to so many people? Ken left a huge legacy not just some fleeting footprints.
This past week I was added into a WhatsApp group of former Exeter University students linking up about Ken. All saddened at the news of Ken’s death yet also incredibly grateful for his life. Sadly, Helen and I won’t be able to make it to the funeral. So I want to share some words here – if nothing else for my own processing and reflecting. Yet also, I hope, in honour of Ken.
I first met Ken soon after I moved into Raddon House on the university campus back in Autumn 1986. Alongside his work as a senior lecturer in Chemistry, Ken was the sub-warden of the accommodation halls where I lived. On being introduced to Ken, he said he already knew who I was, which was slightly unnerving! It turned out that the main warden’s wife was one of the Biology teachers from my school days!
Like for other students seeking to work out blending Christian faith and uni life, Ken took me under his wing. There was nothing pretentious about Ken but instead a passion in him for Christ and living in a way to reflect this. Ken encouraged me to treasure the gift of life, to pray, to think, to be curious and to being challenged.
Occasionally some of the things he believed, I was not so sure about. Yet Ken was welcoming of my asking questions and stirred my reading of Scripture to be with both a receptive heart and a thoughtful, inquisitive mind. I can’t say I have always managed to live up to that in practice of course!
I remember going with Ken to hear him speak at church services. Though I saw it a number of times, I loved his use of a handkerchief and chemicals dying it different colours. It was in order to help explain the essence of the Gospel. Anyone reading this who ever saw that talk, will remember well what I mean.
I believe listening to him preach was a significant seed to even my serving now as a pastor. Though I have never done the chemical thing!
Ken loved Christ but he was not lost in an ivory tower of religion. For instance, he had a joy of music and literature. His comments were often infused with a quote from a poem or other literary work. Knowing Ken, further inspired me in all things Middle Earth too.
Though I moved out of Raddon for my third year of uni, Ken’s mentoring influence continued – as it did for many others. Now that I think of it, did he have enough time for himself? I hope so.
In the WhatsApp group I mentioned, various photos have been shared – including of different weddings that Ken attended. One such photo was from our wedding. There are some great fashion statements to be seen amidst all the photographic displays!
Ken gave the New Testament reading during our marriage service and was a guest in the reception. Fond memories of his involvement.
I am glad to reflect that this was not the last occasion that we saw Ken. Our daughter Anna remembers Ken visiting our home in Brixham and guess what – Anna has a vivid memory from our lounge of the handkerchief and chemical tricks!
My parents were both very fond of Ken. When I heard that Ken had passed away, instinctively I wanted to tell them. Of course, not possible. Though perhaps the three of them have caught up by now!
The final time I saw Ken was a number of years ago when I had the delight of seeing him once more in the home where he was living then – not far from the St. Luke’s campus. Ken’s health had taken some down turn. Yet he was an encouragement as ever and joyous at the news he and I shared about other former Exeter Uni students. I didn’t know then that we would not meet in person again.
Ken’s passing hit me quite hard when I heard. Though we had not been in active contact these last years, like my parents, Ken was a hugely significant figure in my life.
The last email that I have from Ken is pre-pandemic. In the email he gave an update about his health yet also he penned about all kinds of people and things he was grateful for, despite limitations he was experiencing. He wrote of missing preaching.
Some of his words just before he signed off, struck me afresh reading them today:
God’s riches of grace are endless and encircle me at all times. Why this change in my circumstances I have no idea but I trust in the good Lord’s providence… I cannot see the future but am sure that the good Lord will keep me safe.
To me, this helps sum up the kind of trust in God that Ken had and sought to share with others. Very thankful for Ken.
A very well lived life. Mmm… I wonder if Ken is doing the chemical thing in eternity?
Andy
Thoughts Between Trees 