The Y is committed to building strong communities and keeping people connected to one another, and that is exactly what Ken valued and believed in too.
Ken Edwards wasn’t just a patron at Phillip Island Leisure Centre (PILC), but a loved community member who brought joy to the Y team and everyone else who walked through the doors.
Sadly, Ken died in late 2019, but his passion for fitness and community engagement will live on forever. Even in his early nineties, Ken was willing to try anything and he enjoyed many of the centre’s group fitness classes such as pilates, body balance and effective movement training.
“He was a lovely gentleman and would always stay for a cup of tea. Everyone at the centre enjoyed his company,” said Rebecca Wilson, Bass Coast Area Manager.
Ken moved to Australia from the UK, where he worked as a university professor, and was quick to embrace the Phillip Island Y community as his own family.
He was passionate about the community and donated money to the Y with the intention that it be used to support older people who may not be able to afford to use the facilities.
Ken also wanted to make sure that the staff were able to help older community members participate in activities and try new things, just like he was able to.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions these plans have been placed on hold, but YMCA Open Doors, the team at PILC and the Edwards family still wanted to do something special in memory of Ken.
Cameron Wyatt, PILC team member and handy craftsman, built a memorial bench for the community to remember Ken and all that he has contributed to the Y. Attached to it is a plaque with the words ‘Ken Edwards: always young at heart’ which encapsulates his personality perfectly.
The memorial bench sits out the front of PILC, for the Y community to enjoy as they enter and leave the centre, in loving memory of Ken.
Ken’s story has inspired many people at the Y and it goes to show that you are never too old to learn new tricks. His passion for supporting the local community will be cherished for many years to come.
The Y is committed to continuing his legacy by delivering a range of services and programs to enable the community to grow, connect and drive positive change in the world.
Helping the Y to do this is YMCA Open Doors, an initiative that provides subsidised access to the Y’s programs and services to those in the community who wouldn’t normally be able to access them.
Find out more about YMCA Open Doors, along with how to support or donate.
