It is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to Ken Knowles, a much-loved figure in our lives, on Monday, January 29th. For more than 30 years, Ken was an integral part of the Burntwood community, and he wasn’t only a father. The people who knew him will always remember his legacy as one of unwavering devotion to learning and experiencing life to the utmost.
Ken Knowles was not just a Burntwood resident, but also a prominent educator who spent a considerable amount of time molding the minds of students at Chase Terrace High School. Until the late 1990s, Ken was a beloved educator who devoted his life to sharing his wisdom and inspiring his students to develop an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Everyone who worked with him and studied under him remembers him as a passionate and influential educator who changed Burntwood’s educational scene forever.
In Retirement, Savor Every Second:
Ken Knowles’s retirement was marked by a philosophy he adopted: “do it now.” He refused to become a hermit and instead made the most of every chance he had to see the world and make memories that would last a lifetime. He turned his retirement into an exciting new chapter full of adventures, travel, and an infectious enthusiasm for life. Ken’s boundless energy and excitement for life’s adventures served as an example to everyone around him, prompting them to live in the now.
A Favorite Patron of Burntwood:
Ken Knowles was a fixture at Burntwood Island’s The Swan for more than 30 years. His devotion to the neighborhood and his frequent patronage of this watering hole earned him a special place in the hearts of the bar’s regulars. Ken brought a sense of community and friendliness to The Swan, whether he was having a deep conversation with another customer or just relaxing with a pint.
“Do It Now”—A Life Motto:
“Do it now” was Ken Knowles’s life philosophy; it was a simple but profound statement that summarised his outlook on life. Every time I needed a reminder to not put off experiencing happiness, adventure, or connection, I would think of this mantra. Many of Ken’s friends and acquaintances have spoken about how his guiding philosophy inspired them to stop second-guessing themselves and to fully enjoy the here and now.
In the wake of Ken’s death, members of the Burntwood community gathered to remember him and the good things he had done for them. Memories of a man who brightened the lives of those around him abound, from neighbors remembering his welcoming presence at community events to former students thanking him for his guidance.
Much beyond the confines of the classroom and the tables of The Swan, Ken Knowles leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration. The love, inspiration, and dogged pursuit of happiness that he left behind will endure. This memorial service serves as a poignant reminder of the power of a single person to change the world and the significance of savoring every moment of life to the fullest.
Conclusion: As we bid farewell to Ken Knowles, may we remember to live by the values he represented. I pray that this message encourages everyone to be fully present, to live their lives to the fullest, and to build stronger bonds within their communities. Let us remember Ken as a man who knew the importance of savoring each moment and as a celebration of a life well-lived.
