Ken Blackett
We have received the sad news that former Fleet Management Division (FMD) Electrical Superintendent Ken Blackett passed away on Saturday, 4 November 2023.
Ken was one of OCL's first superintendents, joining from P&O. His name appears on what is thought to be the first 'Fleet List' issued by Containers Fleets Ltd in June 1968. Ken was based in London (latterly Beagle House 3rd floor) until the P&O Containers and Nedlloyd Lines merger in 1997, following which he relocated to Rotterdam.
One of Ken's former colleagues was Brian Mullan, former 2OR (sea staff radio officer) and FMD Electronics Superintendent based in Beagle House. Brian has provided the following tribute:
"On hearing of the passing of Ken Blackett, the first words that came to my mind were respect and admiration. Ken was one of the cleverest men I ever knew, and one to whom no electrical challenge was ever insurmountable.
When I was first appointed to work alongside him in Beagle House, he tutored me with great patience that was always tinged with his trademark good humour. Ken had the knack of making the difficult look easy; he never appeared to be at a loss for a solution to a problem.
Easy-going and gregarious, Ken made friends everywhere he went. We spent a great deal of time together; as professional colleagues at adjacent desks, and also as friends at the many social functions that we attended throughout the ten years I worked with him in London.
Time spent with Ken was, without exception, always enjoyable. Watching him develop a humorous situation among the team at Beagle House, which was often, was to observe a masterclass in comedy. Ken brought light and laughter into very many lives.
As a true professional, Ken’s expert-level electrical knowledge was always reliable – and always in demand, not least by me. Ken Blackett knew stuff!
Everyone who knew him will miss him greatly."
Other former colleagues have also provided tributes and recollections of working with Ken:
Dave Kelsall (also ex-2OR and FMD management): "I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll remember Ken’s twice-yearly joke that “the nights are drawing in/out” the day after the shortest/longest day. I’ve just remembered Ken ringing me at home in the early days of mobile phones a day couple of days after I’d paid off the Tolaga. 'Hi Dave, we’re in drydock and I’m in the valve compartment trying to find that echo-sounder transponder you fitted last trip. Where’s the hatch? It isn’t where you said and I daren’t ring Dougie to ask as I’ll never hear the end of it!' It turned out he was in the wrong valve compartment!"
Bill McLaughlin (ex-2OL): "One of my closest and most trusted friends in my forty years association within shipping. I owe him for a lot of what I achieved. When I left Blue Funnel and joined CFL his only question at the interview was when could I start? His Electrical knowledge and sense of humour was legendary. He would give the impression of being a very serious man, and the time he came on board in Genoa (something to do with the then distant re engine plan) and asked me to participate in his card guessing tricks, I was astounded. He was a very caring family man and I was able to catch up on his latest health issues with Christopher, his son, recently. My sincerest condolences go to Christopher and Ken’s friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace".
Tony Greener (ex-FMD): "So sad to lose Ken. ‘Legendary Electrical knowledge and sense of humour’ sums it up. I worked with Ken in the London office and also 10 years in Rotterdam P&O Nedlloyd office. What a star. Early in our days in Rotterdam - we all were given apartments in ‘Scheepmakerskade’ (literally ship makers quay). It was so difficult to pronounce or even remember… one day Ken says ‘well that’s me finished today - I am off back to sheepshaggers’. The name remained the whole time we lived there. The lights have switched off for an amazing man - but great memories ensure it’s not a blackout. RIP Ken."
Ken's funeral takes place at 14:30 on 30 November at Bentley Crematorium, Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9RZ. There is also a web link for any of Ken's friends and former colleagues who can't be there in person but who would like to watch the service remotely. For the link for the latter, please email ponlheritage@gmail.com.
Our deepest condolences go to Ken's family at this sad time.
12/11/2023
Updated 29/11/2023 (web link and photographs kindly provided by Ken's son, Chris)