ShipSpotting.com Forum

Shipspotters all over the world => Site related news, functions and modules => Topic started by: DEREK SANDS on June 29, 2018, 03:01:10 PM

Title: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: DEREK SANDS on June 29, 2018, 03:01:10 PM

Ken has been the backbone of this site almost since its inception. He has been a personal friend for a long time and I have met him on many occasions. We had many differences during this time but always resolved them.

Recently I visited Ken at his home, after he informed me of his failing health. He was in good spirits despite everything although quite frail.

Since that time he has had a nasty fall at home and been admitted to Lewisham hospital near his home.
At the moment he is very poorly and I know everyone will wish him all the best.

More news on his condition will be advised as soon as I have it.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: jimmcquarrie on June 29, 2018, 04:25:00 PM

All the best from me also Derek

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Ian Thomas on June 29, 2018, 04:37:10 PM

And the very best for Ken from me Derek.


Ian Thomas

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Robert J Smith on June 29, 2018, 05:19:43 PM

Get well soon Ken from a fellow Thames spotter

All the very best

Bob

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Geoffrey Watson on June 29, 2018, 05:30:56 PM

Unfortunately not good news. Lewisham hospital advise he has max 48 hrs.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: simonwp on June 29, 2018, 06:13:53 PM

Lets hope for the best, met Ken on a couple of occasions at Gravesend. Good company.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: davidships on June 29, 2018, 07:54:38 PM

Thank you Geoff and, especially Derek, even though this is sombre news.
I have never met Ken and have not known hime for very many years.  One thing, though, is abundantly clear: he loved this site and worked hard incessantly to make it better, as he saw it.  He left big shoes (or, should one say, a big armchair) to fill.

David

Title: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Tomislav Raymondi on June 29, 2018, 08:36:01 PM

My most sincere wishes for a quick improvement of Ken, and to return with us to continue seeing and commenting on our photos.

Regards

Tomi.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Paul Finnigan on June 29, 2018, 10:03:56 PM

Very sad, I myself have never meet Ken, but have exchanged emails with him given me support and advice about the site thank you very much Ken you will be sadly missed.   

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Elbe-Dino on June 29, 2018, 10:37:34 PM

All the best for Ken. Get well very soon!

Brgds
Elbe-Dino

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: andrecas on June 29, 2018, 11:29:55 PM

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Emmanuel.L on June 30, 2018, 02:22:49 AM

Hoping that the next news about our dear friend Ken will be a positive one.Though I have never met Ken, we exchanged various emails ,he was always enquiring about my health and when my son had an accident ,he was always enquiring about his progress. Ken is a true gentleman of the old kind, always there to help, give good advice and for these I and lots of others thank him.
Fight on dear friend.
best regards to a recovery
Emmanuel.L.(Malta)

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: CedricH on June 30, 2018, 07:49:15 AM

I too would like to wish Ken a speedy recovery and hope he gets well soon!

Kind regards
Cedric

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: photoboy on June 30, 2018, 08:01:19 AM

Had a phone call this morning ,about Ken,saying he is not in so much pain,and are not expecting any thing to happen over the weekend,and they may move him to a hospice at some stage.Regards Photoboy

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: jdap on June 30, 2018, 08:35:39 AM

Hold on strong, Ken!

There are still many ships out there awaiting to be caught on camera by you. And there are thousands of us at Shipspotting awaiting to see your next batch of excellent shipping photography!

All the best, Ken. Get well very soon!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you, my webfriend!

Jose
(jdap)

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: John Grace on June 30, 2018, 10:16:26 AM

Sorry to hear this news of Ken. We only met once, I think, and I found him very warm, friendly and engaging.
It has been obvious, from his contributions, over the years that Ken was very knowledgable and cared deeply about this site.
I wish him well and hope for better news soon.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: MattB on June 30, 2018, 12:33:10 PM

Get well soon Ken, as you rest and heal, know that you are thought of warmly and wished a quick recovery.

Very best regards,

MattyBoy   

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Captain Ted on June 30, 2018, 01:00:31 PM

Get well again Amigo Ken !!!!!

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: GERRYHAYES on July 01, 2018, 09:51:15 AM

Sincerely hope you get well soon Ken.kind regards Gerry Hayes.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Stuart Andrews on July 02, 2018, 06:10:52 PM

This is very sad news. I don't contribute very often but from a fellow Thameside resident...all the best oll boy.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: John Jones on July 02, 2018, 09:40:05 PM

That's very sad news Derek and I really hope Ken can pull through.

As has been said by others he always had the very best of intentions for this site and its members from day one, even if this made him unpopular with certain people at certain times! But he is a man true to his beliefs and would not be swayed to appear popular. I have met Ken on a number of occasions and always found him to be a no nonsense straight talking person with an absolute heartfelt passion for our subject matter, not to mention his great depth of knowledge gained over the years.

Let's all hope we can see him back on here at his very best.

Regards
John

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: photoboy on July 05, 2018, 07:21:16 AM

It is with much sorrow that i had a phoned call this morning,that Ken Smith passed away at 2000 yesterday evening.I have no other detail at the moment.Photoboy

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: simonwp on July 05, 2018, 07:24:24 AM

Very sad. Condolences to his family.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Paul Finnigan on July 05, 2018, 07:39:39 AM

Very sad RIP Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: john white on July 05, 2018, 07:55:01 AM

very sad news about Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: victor radio74 on July 05, 2018, 07:56:49 AM

The sad new was expected.Many among us are getting older and this is law of life.
No doubt that Ken loved this site and fought for it.
We are here many and from many countries,I am sad among all and send my condolences to the whole family of Shipspotting,he rest in peace

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: CedricH on July 05, 2018, 08:31:35 AM

Very sad news, my condolences to his family.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Holger Jaschob on July 05, 2018, 08:34:09 AM

Very sad news. I'll miss our periodical and pleasant email conversations.
He was a real lover and supporter of the site.
Condolences to his family.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Phil English on July 05, 2018, 08:52:07 AM

That's very sad news indeed. For many years, Ken was the backbone of this site, putting in many hours trying to make it work for the members. Occasionally, it made him unpopular with some, but he always had the members best interests at heart. I often had correspondence with him and was lucky enough to meet him at his regular spotting spot at Gravesend a couple of times. He was a good man and very knowledgeable. I'll miss him.

Phil

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Derek Lilley on July 05, 2018, 09:31:35 AM

It is a very sad day and send my sincere condolences to his family.

I spent a lot of time working with Ken as his understudy and he became a true friend, we had our ups and downs but I would not of missed the ride for anything.

I will miss the old bugger!!

Derek

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: davidships on July 05, 2018, 09:52:58 AM

Rest in peace now, Ken, leaving the pain of your last days behind.

He will ever be remembered as the Father of Shipspotting for whom, in his later years, the site became his abiding passion and the members his unruly family.  Stern at times, and with some rebellious teenagers around, he always had the interests of the site and its members as his motivation.

We will not see the like of Ken again.

DAvid

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Jimmy Poole on July 05, 2018, 10:11:14 AM

Sorry to hear the sad new of Ken Smith, I knew him quite well and met him many times at Gravesend taking his photos. RIP Ken


Jimmy Poole

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: jimmcquarrie on July 05, 2018, 11:49:29 AM

So sad

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Stan Muller on July 05, 2018, 12:06:37 PM

my condolances and RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Robert J Smith on July 05, 2018, 12:19:23 PM

That really is sad news. Ken was always on the other side of the river to me but we occasionally crossed paths and I couldn't have wanted to meet a nicer man.

RIP Ken, condolences to your family

Best regards

Bob

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Ian Thomas on July 05, 2018, 12:32:50 PM

Very sad news and a great loss to the shipspotting community my condolences to his family and friends R.I.P. Ken.


Ian Thomas

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: John Jones on July 05, 2018, 01:16:32 PM

That is very sad news indeed. Without Ken, this site would have gone under years ago and we would not all have 'met' each other in the pursuit of our hobby. He has left a good legacy. R.I.P. Ken.

Regards
John

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Captain Ted on July 05, 2018, 01:42:17 PM

R.I.P. Ken,,will never forget our "fights", always fair and square !!! Sail away Amigo

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: lappino on July 05, 2018, 01:57:07 PM

Rest in peace, Ken. Always fighting hard for the site and its members.

Vlad

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Adrian Ford on July 05, 2018, 03:00:34 PM

R.I.P Ken you will be missed

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Emmanuel.L on July 05, 2018, 03:39:04 PM

I would not be amiss if I say that Ken was to many shipspotters from all over the world someone we all looked up to, a father figure in our brethren of ship enthusiasts, a mentor to new recruits, a fountain of knowledge in which from time to time we had the honour to drink from, a shoulder for many in dire times during these last years of our site.
I have never met this gentleman, though I exchanged many an email. So how about any one who has a photograph of him to publish it as a remembrance of a fine gentleman.
His passing away on the 4th. of July will always be very special for me as he passed away on my 73rd birthday.
Rest in Peace dear Ken , we will miss you very much.
Condolences to his family .
Emmanuel.L.(Malta)

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Elbe-Dino on July 05, 2018, 03:42:04 PM

Really sad news. RIP dear Ken and condolences to your family. You

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: DEREK SANDS on July 05, 2018, 03:57:22 PM

Ken was a dear friend we met on many occasions and because we were so different in many ways we sometime argued ! We always became friends again of course. I am so glad I went to see him at his home recently, sadly the last time we would meet.He will always be remembered on this site to which he gave his undying passion.

His many friends on here should celebrate his life, and what became his life's work almost to the end.
 
So long Ken I will miss you a great deal and have no "sparring partner" now you have gone. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace

With respect

Derek

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: andrecas on July 05, 2018, 04:01:59 PM

My condolences to the Smith family at this difficult time.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: sisko111 on July 05, 2018, 04:12:31 PM

R.I.P. Ken
Sinisa  :(

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Barry Graham on July 05, 2018, 05:21:17 PM

Such sad news.  To me Ken was synonymous with this wonderful site right from when I joined in 2006.  Although I never met him we exchanged many pleasant messages over the years.  RIP Ken and condolences to family and friends. 

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Ilhan Kermen on July 05, 2018, 05:38:21 PM

I am so sad..
I has worked so hard for site and left a great archive with thousands photos
Rest in Peace Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: John van Zijderveld on July 05, 2018, 06:20:39 PM

Sad news, rip Ken :(

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Tomas on July 05, 2018, 06:48:53 PM

Smooth sailings and thanks for everything, Ken.
Lost my stepmom Monday, now this.
RIP

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Patrick Hill on July 05, 2018, 08:18:19 PM

Sad news RIP Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: jdap on July 05, 2018, 09:06:37 PM

Very sad news indeed.

My condolences to his family and closest friends.

RIP, Ken, and thanks for everything.

Jose
(jdap)

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Clydee on July 05, 2018, 09:58:56 PM

Rest in peace Ken.  Rest in peace

Clyde

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Jerzy Rakowski on July 05, 2018, 11:39:15 PM

Very sad news
I exchanged a few messages with Ken, he was very engaged in his work.Thank you for your kind words,for your good advices.

RIP Ken
Jerzy

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: ventuari on July 06, 2018, 12:03:05 AM

Sad news.

Rest in peace my old friend. One of the Shipspotting fathers.

My condolences to his family and closest friends.

Several sad and bad news lately for us, friends and fellow members of this community.

ventuari

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Kyle Stubbs on July 06, 2018, 12:22:46 AM

So sorry to hear this news.

For so many years, Ken was the dedicated, if occasionally gruff, heart of this site. His absence will leave a big void in all of us that have enjoyed the empire that his hard work built.

Rest in Peace, Ken.

-Kyle

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: brian e cole on July 06, 2018, 04:55:03 AM

Very sad news. A true gentleman I exchanged messages with a few times. R.I.P Mate.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: carimar on July 06, 2018, 05:29:38 AM

Very sad. Condolences to his family. RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Marpacifico on July 06, 2018, 05:31:28 AM

Sad news. Rest in peace old friend.

My condolences to his family and closest friends.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: John Grace on July 06, 2018, 10:13:39 AM

Sad not to have known Ken better than I did.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: peter j. fitzpatrick on July 07, 2018, 07:52:32 AM

We will miss you Ken , your input to  keeping this site on its toes will be sorely missed
Peter

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Pilot Frans on July 07, 2018, 02:29:01 PM

Just read the story, Very sad.
RIP Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: B.Clark on July 07, 2018, 05:29:02 PM

R.I.P. Ken, and condolences to all your family and friends.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Torben_OWL on July 07, 2018, 06:23:28 PM

Really, really sad news. We hadn't much contact, but he was always present and i recognized him as one, who really cares about the shipspotting community. So RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: TARBATNESS on July 07, 2018, 09:47:50 PM

Very sad news but Ken leaves a wonderful legacy.

RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Pekka Laakso on July 07, 2018, 09:57:55 PM

Truly sad news to hear. Ken was a real gentleman, always thinking the best for the website and the membership. He also helped and encouraged me in certain occasions several years ago. Visited in Tilbury right five years ago, of course sent messages to him at that time, and looked closely the Gravesend shores to see the vantage points he used to use when photographing along the Thames. My condolences to his closest ones.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: steve55 on July 07, 2018, 10:24:04 PM

Very sad to hear this.Ken helped me out a no of times as well as many others.My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.RIP Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Keith Goldie on July 08, 2018, 01:35:32 AM

RIP Ken Smith.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Hannes van Rijn on July 08, 2018, 02:13:34 AM

Sad to hear, that our President Emeritus Ken Smith has past away. He was a sweet man,and a great inspiration for this site.We're going to miss you.Condolences to all your family and friends.


Rest in peace my friend.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: csaba on July 08, 2018, 03:15:19 AM

Sad news indeed. RIP Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Jack Sparrow on July 08, 2018, 06:54:14 AM

Sincere condolences to the family of Ken and thank you for your legacy.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: hecarmi on July 08, 2018, 08:47:37 AM

A president who left left an awesome legacy.
Thanks for everything, Ken. RIP

Herbert

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: tvtech on July 08, 2018, 10:18:54 AM

RIP Ken

You knew the balance of fun and work here at Shipspotting.

You were simply the finest at getting the balance right.
God Bless

Theo

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: smithy166 on July 08, 2018, 01:18:03 PM

My sincere condolences to his friends and family.

Rest in peace Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Andreas Schlatterer on July 08, 2018, 07:29:42 PM

Sad news
Rest in peace

Andreas (at sea)

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: MattB on July 08, 2018, 07:33:25 PM

Didn't know Ken that well but he put me on the straight & narrow on more than a few occasions. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends. I can't believe it  :(

R.I.P Ken, God bless you.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Gerolf Drebes on July 08, 2018, 07:37:44 PM

From my site as well.
I will miss Ken very much, I had lots of interesting and fruitfull discussions with him.
My condolences to his family.
Regards
Gerolf

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Marc Piché on July 09, 2018, 01:22:47 AM

Rest in peace my dear Kenny.
Your contribution to this site is unmeasurable from its humble beginnings until now to make it what it is at present.
You had a long and productive life my friend; to me you're a legend.
My heartfelt condolences go to your family and friends.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: rd77 on July 09, 2018, 07:19:39 AM

That really is too sad. Easily one of the world's greatest shipspotters. He will be missed.

Brgds.
Ralph

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Jackdusty on July 09, 2018, 04:30:56 PM

Very sad to hear of Ken's passing. I had the privilege to meet Ken for a short time and he taught me much about shipping photography.  RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: CybersBase on July 09, 2018, 08:41:49 PM

Such a sad news! We owe him so much. And we will continue in his spirit. - Andreas

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Marc Pingoud on July 09, 2018, 10:24:12 PM

"Hi Marc,
Please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in sending you these photographs of your baby, my excuse for what it is worth is pressure of work and not just on the website.
I hope you like them,
Kind regards
Ken Smith"

Dear Ken
Many thanks for all your efforts to our site, your individual support and all the "privat contributions".

RIP

Marc

Title: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Tomislav Raymondi on July 10, 2018, 12:54:09 AM

I am still shocked for the sad news about the death of Ken, with whom I had many exchanges of mails about the photos and exchange of opinions about the regulation on the photos always reaching an excellent understanding, I think we will miss him a lot, therefore we must continue with his work in shipspotting.com

Regards

Tomi.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Pedro Amaral on July 10, 2018, 03:11:27 PM

R.I.P. Ken, and condolences to all your family and friends

Pedro Amaral

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: photoboy on July 10, 2018, 06:24:11 PM

Hello.I have just recieved a call from Ken's Family via a friend,they would like to thank all the members who have sent there kind thoughts and condolences.They were very much surprised with all the messages,it is very much appreciated at this sad time.Regards Photoboy  




[bold-DA]

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Mrs. D on July 10, 2018, 07:32:50 PM

I wish to extend my heart felt condolences to Ken Smith's family and friends. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. :'(

I did not know him except through his work on this site (many happy hours of reading his posts and looking at his photos's for the last several years). His contributions to making this site what it is are unmeasurable as was his love of ship spotting I think. He has left a lasting legacy to all of us who enjoy this site. May he always be remembered and his example followed.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Dave van Spronsen on July 11, 2018, 12:49:29 AM

Some very sad news to read

Smooth sailings and thanks for everything you have done for Shipspotting.com


Rest in Peace Ken


Dave van Spronsen

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Frank Behrends on July 11, 2018, 07:25:31 AM

Thanks Ken
and Rest in Peace

Frank

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Allan RO on July 11, 2018, 06:49:22 PM

Thanks Ken for all you have done for the site, I hope everyone will remember the effort you have put in to make this site what it is - my sincere condolences to Ken's family

Allan

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Glenn Towler on July 12, 2018, 12:53:57 AM

Such sad news, like Derek Sands said I too have had my disagreements with Ken, some resolved some we never resolved.

Ken put a huge effort into this site and at times its a wonder this site survived and has become what it is today with out all the work did with Tomas and later Andre behind the scenes.

My thoughts are with Ken's family as he will truly be missed.

RIP Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: DeepSeaDiver1000 on July 12, 2018, 07:26:09 PM

Rest in Peace - Ken, You will be truly missed. Thank you for all your efforts, and great photo contributions.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: davidships on July 14, 2018, 12:00:06 AM

Courtesy of Derek Sands, I have details of Ken's funeral, on 27 July in South East London.

If any members are considering attending please send PM or email [email protected] for details.

David

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Adi Man on July 14, 2018, 05:25:04 PM

My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Ken.

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Oldkayaker on July 17, 2018, 05:43:24 PM

Hopefully the latest unsafe issues will be resolved in honor of Ken

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Jesper T Andersen on July 18, 2018, 11:15:56 AM

R.I.P Ken, thank you for your great work and nice photos.
Regards
Jesper

Title: Re: Ken Smith, President Emeritus
Post by: Chris Howell on August 14, 2018, 09:43:31 PM

Sorry just saw this.

Yes rest in peace and thanks for all his work and postings, loved his ships to the end.