Address by Ian Dudson, President of BCC, at the funeral service for Kevin Farrell on 6th April 2009 - Some months ago I was expecting to speak at Kevin's retirement. I would have been honoured to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated the last 25 years to the ceramic industry, locally, nationally and internationally.
- I am extremely sorry not to be able to do that now but nevertheless still honoured to pay this tribute now.
- Kevin was a terrific ambassador for the industry since he joined the British Ceramic Confederation in 1984. He led the organisation that has given the industry a voice through some difficult times and some challenging issues.
- Kevin was one of the most intelligent and perceptive people I have ever known.
- His experiences before coming back to the city of his birth included being on secondment during the sewing machinist dispute at Halewood which spawned equal pay.
- He was in the eye of the mineworkers storm for the whole of the period 73-84.
- These experiences helped shape a consummate negotiator and lobbyist who brought these skills to his role at BCC.
- He led the industry on major issues of legislation both in the USA and Europe.
- The respect in which he was held by politicians and government officials alike, both in Westminster and Brussels, is typified by tributes we have read in the regional press from MEP's Malcolm Harbour and Michael Cashman and by the Early Day Motion laid down in the House of Commons by Joan Walley and the other local MP's just 2 days before he died. This motion paid tribute to Kevin's contribution and he and Jackie were very touched by the initiative.
- I consider myself fortunate to have worked alongside him for many years and have learnt from him. I used to be amazed at his ability to assimilate vast quantities of the written word and was fascinated when he described the technique he used for speed reading.
- He would never have been described as a consummate linguist but that didn't stop him communicating in English with anybody whether they spoke the language or not.
- Everyone who worked with him will know that he had an amazing memory - still evident in his last days.
- The project for the industry to design and produce a 93 piece dessert service to present to Her Majesty the Queen to mark her golden jubilee was a highlight for Kevin. He enjoyed liaising with a gentleman at Windsor Castle whose job title was 'Yeoman of the Pantry - Plates'. It was a special day for Kevin when he was part of the delegation to Windsor to present the service in person to Her Majesty.
- Kevin also worked alongside and within other organisations such as the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and particularly the local further and higher education institutions. He chaired Stoke on Trent College through a very traumatic reconstruction.
- He sat on the Council at Keele University for many years and chaired the Audit Committee. He supported various activities and initiatives at Staffordshire University and was thrilled when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by them in 2004.
- It is almost 2 years ago that Kevin was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder.
- He faced the prospect that this would limit his life with typical analysis, fortitude and positive realism. He didn't want sympathy and coped amazingly with the initial frequent blood transfusions and more latterly drug treatment gave him possibly more optimism. Sadly this wasn't to prove a lasting remission.
- All of us who knew Kevin, who worked with him and enjoyed his friendship will know how passionate he was about our industry and our region.
- I recall a phrase he often used in these circumstances - "You have to do what is necessary".
- Kevin, I promised you that we would do exactly that today.
- We thank you for your commitment. We will have long and happy memories and our thoughts and support are with Jackie and your family today.
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