I miss you, Ken. In case you don’t already know: Christine is looking and doing great although she can’t miss you enough. 

Dancing at the same studio as Chris and Ken, I enrolled my then boyfriend, Andrew, for private lessons, to no avail as he had 2 left feet and no rhythm. The money wasn't wasted though as he met Ken and we soon became a foursome. 
Ken was great fun with a booming laugh who saw humour in everyday mundane things. We had trips together to Blackpool for the dance championships joining our fellow friends from the studio. I would enviously watch Chris and Ken glide round  whilst Andrew and I stiffly shuffled around, but then Ken was a natural at anything he turned his hand to. 
We were shocked when he gave up his job and went off to Africa  then America but admired him for being such an adventurer. Life was never dull for Ken. 
We loved to catch up in the early years when they visited the UK and enjoyed hearing of all they achieved. Their Christmas photo card was always eagerly awaited to see them both looking so glamorous. 
Ken will always be remembered, his sense of fun and love of life were a delight, he was interesting but more importantly interested.

Ken, I have so many fantastic memories of our friendship.  Jon (Winn) expressed them in a way that  I don't think I can expand on much more! The memories of You, Me, Jon and Geoff will live with me till my time comes! Fantastic days my Mate. 

RIP TRUE FRIEND! 

Steve and Liz X

Ken was such a wonderful man. He would always chat with me when we worked nearby galleries. I’d never met someone who enjoyed old movies (especially the Hammer horror ones) as much as I did! He’ll be deeply missed.

Christine,
I am sorry for your loss. Although we never met in person, we did talk by phone a few times when I was calling for Ken. He and I coached soccer at Strikers together for years, ending at the same time about 5 years ago. We coordinated our practice evenings so our boys, who were the same or one year apart, could scrimmage each other weekly and "learn in the game."   I first became aware of his total love for you one evening when, after a coaches meeting and some coaches were going for a drink, he commented that he was going home and looking forward to seeing you.  We all know he is resting in a much better place. 

The more I talked to Ken, the more I wanted to. Our conversations were filled with intelligence, questions to each other about whatever, Ken providing viewpoints I hadn’t considered, interesting tales of his careers and world travels, his mom, his wife, his wife’s mom, life in the U.K., and, best of all, us laughing at how crazy the work day was and this world in general. I told him that if he moved back to the U.K and I didn’t have the money to pay my way that he would have to hide me in a travel trunk and take me with him. I spent no where near enough time talking to him. Such a pleasant bloke!

When I had my first child, Christine and Ken came over and took some great pictures of us all. We had a great chat and visit. Brooks loved the bear and story they gifted him. We've been neighbors for as long as I can remember. Ken was an incredible guy, who was talented and kind, and just as genuine as they come. He will be missed dearly by all of us! 

I count myself very lucky that I knew Ken from the 'olden days,' when he first met Christine at Mavis Percival's dance studio in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, the both of them were still teenagers, her the teacher, him the student. 
He was completely smitten with her as she was with him, from the moment she took him in her arms and glided with him across the dance floor, he was lost to her forever.... their souls collided into one,,,,,,and the rest is history!!   
Whenever they were together they were always laughing and 'ribbing' each other and having fun, it was lovely to watch.  I think the solitude one feels as an only child disappeared for the pair of them when they met,  they had found their 'soul mate' and life would never be the same.   
They never looked back,, and did everything together.  Amazing holidays, fantastic dance partners, fabulous social life and ofcourse emigrating to America, which was their biggest adventure of all.  
They loved the challenges and excitement of their new life and  enjoyed every minute of growing older together.
Sadly our lovely Ken, with his mischievous sparkling eyes, cheeky grin and zest for life,  has been taken far too soon.  
Luckily soulmates do not disappear, Ken will always be with you Christine, guiding you through your days and watching over you, you will never be on your own.    Of this I am certain.
Here's a piccy I found of you both, from the 'olden' days, the perfect one of you both, which says it all,  you Christine with your glamorous, gorgeous smile and Ken's naughty grin, forever the Joker.
God Bless and keep you always Ken.  
Here for you Sissy C....as ever.  Lots of love Sissy S xxxxx

Thank you Ken for always being such a kind, loving & devoted husband to my dear life long friend, Christine, who I know is going to miss you more than words can express.   You both shared a wonderful life together and your legacy of love & understanding will carry on in the hearts & minds of everyone who knew & loved you.  Rest in Peace dear Ken, you will be forever in our hearts xxx

I first met Ken and Cristine at Mount Vernon's Pool in the late 1990s. Every Summer weekend, up until about 2012, I looked forward to seeing them at the table that a group of us shared. I could write forever about those days but the thing I valued the most was not the Grill I ran on Sundays or the countless games of Volleyball Ken and I played in, it was all the thought-provoking discussions we had around that table.  Ken possessed a Superpower over me that few in my life have ever had, That Power was the ability to change my mind, and coming from someone as hard-headed as me that says a lot. Farewell old Friend, may we meet again someday. Please save me a seat at the Table.

So sorry to hear the sad news we have all been friends for many years going back to Park Studio Dancing, Middlesbrough UK where we all made many friends. Such a sad loss. 

Dear Christine, I always enjoyed the stories of how you and Ken came to America, New York and then Virginia!! It was evident how much you loved each other and enjoyed each other’s company. Ken’s infectious smile compassion and kind disposition lifted many hearts. Your story is a love story!!! So proud to have had you and Ken in my life.  So many wonderful friends and memories . God Bless you Christine. Rest in Peace Dear Ken 🙏

It's strange, Carolyn and I were just sat on Friday after work and talking things through. I was telling her about 3rd year at Lawrence Jackson and how Ken befriended me straight away and it was just brilliant fun from then on. Getting things thrown at me by Ma Redshaw, threatening her with a solicitor and all that madness! God we did have a good laugh. And mad trips to St. Tropez, then Holland with Dave Donnelly. I still look back and laugh at the time we had. I've never had a friend like you ya bastard. And I can say your friendship has been the most valuable ever. It cuts me in half that it has to end sooner than either  of us would have liked but thems the breaks I suppose. I'm so glad that you both had such a lovely life and you found each other, you are both deep in our hearts and always will be. Your a top gerzer Ken me old mucker and the brother I never had. Take care and I'll be thinking about you both. Love Jon, Carolyn, David and Andrew

Hello Christine
Joe and I had a few memories of you and Ken when we were in our late teens early twenties, before you moved to America. 
The one that sticks out the most is the camping trip we took in the Lake District. Susan Stephen, Joe and myself on the bus with all our camping gear,  you and Ken joining us later, due to work commitments I think.
When I think back to that holiday in the lake district, you and Ken were sorted with your z beds ground sheets and all mod cons. So jealous of you both, we were.  We were complete novices, Then the heavens opened. You and Ken, snug as bugs in rugs, Stephen, Susan, me and Joe, floating around in our tents. Think we may have pitched across a stream it was that wet!
The hotel beckoned and our camping trip turned into a very nice stay in a smashing hotel in the Lakes. 
Its a holiday I really remember with fondness as we had a lot of laughs that weekend with friends who we stayed connected too. We had a good, (well the camping wasn't  good for us,) time. 

Hold on to all the good times and good memories Christine. Ken is at peace. 


There are never the right words for such loss. It only goes to show how much he was loved by the grief we all feel. Ken coached my son at Strikers and I had the honor of being his manager. I begrudgingly volunteered, since I had a lot on my plate, but will be forever grateful that I did!  Ken truly only had the kids in mind when coaching. He taught so much more than the game of soccer. His passion and love for coaching was a sight to see, and I aspire to be like him when I coach. He has taught me so much and I will always think of him when I stand on the sidelines. May your spirit fill me with as much wisdom to carry on your passion. You will be missed,  but never forgotten my friend. Christine, I thank you for supporting your husband’s love of coaching and becoming a WAG on the nights and weekends. Because of the two of you, Ken touched so many lives and his light will carry on long into the future!  With much love and adoration…The Newsoms. 

Ken was a genuine mensch, which is Yiddish for "a person of integrity and honor"--more colloquially, he was a real stand-up guy. His easy-going manner and pleasant demeanor made him easy to talk to and share a laugh. Ken was always there with a story or topic that he thought would interest me, and it always did. It was a joy to be around him and Christine because they would make simple conversations delightful and funny. Ken was a better man than I could ever hope to be. I'll never forget his humor and that wide smile of his with his eyebrow raised. What a sweet guy. 

I was honored and privileged to get to know Ken during his last few months. He was a joy to see and was devoted to his loving wife Christine. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched around the world. I will always think of Ken whenever I watch soccer. May his family and friends be comforted during this difficult time. 

Christine,  I'm so sorry to hear of your husbands passing.  May God bless you with strength during this sad and difficult time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  God bless you! 
                                                                 With deepest sympathy,
                                                                             Brenda J.

So sad that Ken has passed at such a young age. A good friend who will be missed.

RIP  my friend Ken. We’ve spent many years coaching soccer at the Richmond Strikers and I got to know how passionate you were in teaching the game the right way. You will be greatly missed. My condolences to your family. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

We , here in Richmond Strikers ,we want to say thanks for all those years helping kids to grow not just as soccer players but as a respectfull persons...Kids were one of his priorities  right next the love for his charming wife.....you will be missed British...!


Good -bye dear friend.
We will all miss you ❤️
RIP
The Major Family 

I’m going to miss you very much thanks for supporting me when my friend Jared was shot and killed and when I lost my dad I love you British Pest I will miss you so much 

Darling Ken, words cannot fully express how much you will be missed by so many, far and wide. 

A beautiful, funny, kind and caring soul. Not to mention a loving and devoted husband to Christine. 
Forever missed ♥️
Jean (UK)
Family Friend 

Gone way way way too soon Ken.  I miss seeing your reassuring smile at work.  But at least you left us lots of time to learn how to spread daily warmth and kindness like you.  I hope to grow up to be as strong as you one day.  Peace. 

Ken was a mentor and a friend. Ken could be very insightful and very funny and very serious. Ken was a gifted soccer coach and gifted piano player, that I can vouch for .One of my many funny Ken stories is Ken playing and practicing Philip Glass's style of piano. Ken would go to a local church and practice on there grand piano in the weekday afternoons after work before his soccer practices. To the casual observer this was quite something to hear. Ken could nail Philip Glass really well! Listen to Philip Glass "Metamorphous for solo Piano". Anyway, my running joke to Ken was, I was going to contact the composer and get Philip Glass to write Ken and tell him to "stop taking credit for my music"  I think Ken enjoyed that joke immensely. Christine you have been a loyal and wonderful wife to Ken. Everyone that knew Ken will miss him. Me and my family are very sorry for this tragic loss.

Ken was a good friend and a great coworker. He was also a must have to be on your team for water volleyball.  You are truly missed.            

Ken and Christine are the dynamic duo and have had a truly amazing love story not many can duplicate. It is so difficult to have lost such a wonderful soul but the memories will fill us all with comfort from just knowing Ken. His constant good nature and true friendship will live on forever.  From wonderful Christmas holidays at the Jefferson to our great Halloween costume parties, I'm blessed to have been part of these memories. Rest in peace, Ken. You touched many. 
With love
Judi Tompkins

I always enjoyed the opportunity to dance with Ken. He was a powerful and skillful dance leader. He  danced gracefully with sophistication.  His smile was contagious and lifted the hearts of others. He will be missed in the dance community.


I had the pleasure of working with Ken for several years at Flexicell. As a fellow Brit, we had many conversations on the premier league and the championship. Ken was a pleasure to be around and one of my fondest memories of him was his twice daily weight check on the scales at work. Christine and family are in my prayers. 

I worked with Christine for many years and had the good fortune to meet Ken at business related social events. I was immediately attracted to his unfailing smile, his genuine warmth of spirit, good humor and his obvious overarching love for Christine. While our time together was short, he dazzled with his passion for dance, the piano, soccer, his art and other interests. He was a very fine, happy man whose essence will be desperately missed. I send my sincere condolences to Christine and their families.

Every once in a while, if you are very, very lucky, you will meet someone (or ones) that truly brighten your life in the most amazing way possible.  That person was Ken and his lovely wife Christine.  His passing leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill.  
 Mary and I have known Ken and Christine for many years, and after hearing about Ken’s death this morning I tried to rack my brain to remember just exactly how we met.  I can’t remember the specifics, but I can guess.   No doubt, we were seated at their table at one of the enumerable enjoyable Dinner/Dances we all have enjoyed over these many years.  How fortuitous it was that we were seated at their table.  Fate often can smile on you when you least expect it. 
The conversation always flowed and laughs were had by all.  We were all instant pals.  I never tired of asking Ken if the latest score to one of his soccer matches ever broke free from being a nailbiting high scoring match of Zero to Zero.  I also remember one night when we all commiserated over the recent deaths of our pets.  Having him around just made things better.
I hate to say it, but, I doubt such evenings will ever be quite the same again.  I know every time I will hear a FoxTrot in the future, I will immediately look up expecting to see Ken and Christine gliding across the dance floor, smooth as glass and elegant as swans.  He will be missed.
This picture of the four of us, snapped at some Christmas formal from God knows when, captures the essence of one of many good times we had.  My thoughts and prayers go to Christine.  It has been a rough road with Ken’s long illness but now he is at peace.  
I also believe that this is not the end.  We will all meet again one day, not on this side, but the other.  And on that day, the band will always be good, and never takes breaks.  The beef tenderloin won’t be overcooked and everyone’s cumberbunds will stay in place no matter how vigorous the ChaCha.  And as Mary and I have another sip of the never-en

I remember seeing Ken bicycling around the Bellevue Neighborhood when I was walking there. 

Ken and I met at Estée Lauder in his years that he worked there as a mechanic and I was a machine operator. We kept each other laughing to pass the time on the nightshift. He was such a pleasure to be around, I missed him when he and Christine moved to VA but I know how happy they both were there. We kept in touch over the years with our Christmas update cards. Sending love to you, Christine, Ken will be missed for sure.

Nancy Mayes

I am extremely honored to have had Ken in my life for over 6 years.  Working and getting to know him was of the the best experiences and I'm so glad that I had this opportunity.  Ken could always make you smile no matter what was happening.  He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone.  He will be missed by many.  Ken I will never forget you!

Ken was a dear person whose love and devotion to Christine was so evident to Me upon meeting them 15 years ago. His kindness, care & uplifting spirit  enriched so many persons lives .  Moreover, I believe Ken leaves behind : a legacy  of love ; compassion; joy in the moment; and resilience in the face of adversity.

Trevor and I have been close friends of Ken and Christine's for 20 plus years. We have had so many fun times including holidays, pool parties, dancing, dining, and a love of soccer and tennis. Dressing up for Halloween and dining at the Jefferson on Christmas Day are my favorite memories. We will miss you, Ken, and every memory will be treasured. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Thinking of you and remembering all the happiness Ken brought us.  He will be sorely missed.  We feel so lucky to meet Ken and be touched by his incredible presence.  We only have wonderful memories of them. The last one remembered that I have him enjoying his time with his loves, his wife and Aaron his favorite dog  🐶 We miss you KEN forever !

We met Ken when he coached our son in soccer many years ago.  We stayed friends after and include Christine in that friendship as well. Ken was kind, supportive, funny and an all around great guy.  He will be missed.
Gene and Ann Dale

Thank you Ken, for the years of friendship and kindness you shared with us. Every time you we crossed paths, you were eager to know how I was doing and you were quick to offer a funny joke or helpful advice if it was needed. It was always heartfelt and appreciated. 

You will continue to live on in our hearts.

OBITUARY

Kenneth Ian Drury

July 30, 1958 – July 25, 2022

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