The obituary notice of Kenneth (Ken) BUTTERFIELD

1995 was the season, l mean year when Ken really became part of my life. Enjoying and enduring the ups and downs and more downs of watching Derby.
Ken would always remind us to be positive, no negative waves. He was generous and always had a smile or joking about, even when things were clearly tough for him. In fact Ken was a real example to everyone, that regardless of everything you can still enjoy and make the most of life.
l still can’t believe it but farewell Ken, God bless you mate.

The two lads sitting opposite on their first day at Rolls-Royce had no idea what lay ahead over the next 40+ years but the friendship was certainly born.
The cheeky Chad Lad with a glint in his eyes taught me so much.
From Monsters of Rock to dodgy old cars, free pool tables and cash bargains that really were too good to be true!
Young Ken had a way of chatting up girls usually breaking the ice by taking the mickey out of his accompanying friend. In later years on one occasion he was more than happy to go with the story that he had crashed his Super Bike going around Donnington Race circuit further enjoying the attention he had gained from a large group of girls asking about his crutches.
Even then Ken loved to give, taking great pride in passing on free music, software, films, with a grin so wide you would worry what the content might be.
A visit to the scrapyard to fix my first car ( a car he got me cheap ) ended up with a lesson in the mechanics of the bottomless toolbox and the art of throwing spares over the 10ft fence, again he just wanted to help.
Tuesday nights out with Ken had become a way of life. From deep thinking thought provoking nights, blind drunk nights to the ‘glint’ appearing in his eyes and insisting we visit the Belper Devonshire with its gentlemen’s ‘theme’ at that point in time - again.
Over the decades of Tuesdays the inner Ken never changed. His boyish charm, sometimes naughty, usually witty and warm would jump out and grab you leaving his daily battles behind. His chair seemed to fade into the background, his hands appeared relaxed and he would be bubbling with excitement, laughing and joking - 16 again.
All of the above are great memories but the Ken we all know had a capacity far greater than most.
Ken watched us all grow, get married, have families, do things that he could not do because of the hand he was dealt yet he showed an endless interest in our lives, not out of envy but because he was actually a massive guy ,a guy with a huge capacity of love to give.
Just hope you know how many lives you have touched Ken and how loved you are.

Thanks mate. Love Rich

Ken was a great friend to me from the day I first met him way back in the Rolls-Royce's Tech block in about 1990. I was lucky to share some great times with Ken and have such fond memories. I still can't believe I won't be talking Dylan with him again. Ken was the finest of men and he made the life of anyone who knew him so much richer. The world is an emptier place without Ken and he will be greatly missed. No more knockin' on heavens door, you've made it there. So long Ken.

Ken, it was great to go on life's great adventure with you, you dealt with MS for many years but brought fun and laughter to many people's lives. You had you ups and downs ( of course as you were a Derby fan) but still enjoyed being with people and just wish to say it was great being your friend. Craig.