OS KEN WOOLLEY’S (SH 1941-45) TRIBUTE

The OS Club was saddened to hear of the death of Kenneth Woolley (SH 1941 – 45) and pay tribute here to a true Sedberghian.

Ken dedicated much of his life to Rugby. At Sedbergh he played on the XV during two unbeaten seasons in 1943 and 1944. In 1944 he formed part of the School House XV who were joint winners of the House Rugby Cup with Winder. Ken began playing for Blackburn Rugby Union Football Club whilst still at Sedbergh and went on to be Club Captain in 1952/3 later being elected to the roles of President and Honorary Club Captain.

Ken was involved with the Anti-Assassins since their foundation in 1950 and was made Honorary Life President in his later years. Ken took great care over the A.A club archives and kept meticulous albums holding programmes and photographs of the Anti-Assassins matches and tours.

Blackburn Rugby Union Football Club commented that Ken’s involvement Boxing at school, including his work as secretary of the school boxing team in his later years was very out of character for this most gentle man. The club’s tribute to him records that, “Ken was really one of the great men of our time – modest, self-effacing, never seeking the limelight, yet a high achiever in whatever he has turned his hand to.”

Ken is remembered with much love by his wife Rosemary and many generations of Sedberghians who were lucky enough to meet him and play beside him.

His funeral service took place on Thursday 14th January at St Wilfred’s Church, Ribchester, which was followed by a private family service at the crematorium and a reception at Blackburn Rugby Club. It was a very moving service which was well attended by many OSs.