EDWARD KENNARD
The Worthing Society has announced with great sadness the death aged 94 of its former vice-chairman, Edward Kennard, affectionately known as Ted.
Mr Kennard’s family was long-established in Worthing and he cared deeply about the town’s heritage. He became a member of the society following his retirement from a long and successful career as a chartered surveyor in Uganda and Hong Kong.
Mr Kennard worked tirelessly to protect Worthing’s heritage and will especially be remembered for leading the society’s campaign to save the Desert Quartet for the town. These iconic sculptures by the late Dame Elizabeth Frink are of national importance and Grade II* listed.
In addition, Mr Kennard founded the Listed Buildings and Conservation areas Sub-Committee, devoted to protecting Worthing’s heritage and monitoring new developments. Many colleagues appreciated his technical knowledge and guidance as a mentor.
Society President Anthony Malone and Chair Susan Belton said Mr Kennard was a true conservationist and a man of integrity and principle.
They said: “He leaves a very fine legacy and it is an honour to pay tribute to his work for the society and, in turn, the town.”
Mr Kennard was born in Broadwater and spent his childhood in Upper High Street where his father was a grocer and fruiterer. When the Second World War broke out the family became involved in scrap metal dealing, with a yard next door to the terraced house where he lived.
Mr Kennard attended Worthing High School for Boys and began work at a firm of Worthing architects before serving for two years with the Royal Engineers during the Korean War. On his return he married Pamela Tucker at St George’s Church, St George’s Road. They had two children, Susan and Simon, with Susan being born in Uganda, where the family spent four years before returning to the UK in 1960, when Simon was born.
Mr Kennard worked for the Government in Uganda, helping to build the country’s infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and roads. Within weeks of Simon being born the family set sail for Hong Kong, where Mr
Kennard continued as a chartered surveyor. His work possibly saved many lives, for after helping to dig bodies from a landslip near his home which killed 67 people he drafted a report which recommended stricter building standards to stop similar tragedies happening in the future.
This earned him promotion and a successful career in Government before setting up his own consultancy business in the early 1980s.
He remarried during this time and welcomed his second son, Trevor. In 2000 Mr Kennard retired at the age of 70 and came back to the UK, living with his sister in the house where he was brought up.
He became involved in competition standard ballroom dancing, was a mentor for the Prince’s Trust and also helped people with special needs.
But daughter Susan said the Worthing Society was his joy.
Mr Kennard’s funeral took place at St George’s Church.
He leaves a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
With thanks to Paul Holden, Editor of Worthing Journal for publishing this obituary in honour of Edward Kennard.
Susan Belton
Worthing Society Chair
