Sadly Ken Byrne, one our sports’ true gentlemen, passed away on 31 March 2018 at 90 years of age. In his skating career he won the World Dance Championship, the World Pairs Championship and the European Dance and Pairs championships with his partner Jean Phethean. Ken and Jean were also British dance and pairs champions, and Ken was also 2nd in the Men’s free skating championships
In 1979 Ken and his partner, Jean Phethean, were presented to Her Majesty The Queen on the Centenary of the National Skating Association of Great Britain, for his services to Roller Skating, when he received a special medal.
Ken was a World and European judge for many years, and also served on the Cars committee in various roles including Chairman of Judges. Ken was a great technician with a wealth of knowledge about skating, and was a lifelong supporter of the sport.
Ken was married to Norma (who passed away in 2014) for almost 50 years. Ken has been a legend in the sport and will be sadly missed.