OBITUARY: Ken Clifford
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Maitland hockey star Simon Orchard has led the tributes for long-serving Hunter sportsman and administrator Ken Clifford.
Clifford died in Newcastle Private Hospital overnight Monday after a battle with cancer.
He was 73.
Clifford was best known for his 27 years as CEO of the Hunter Academy of Sport and was at the helm when Orchard was rising through the ranks.
Orchard has gone on to represent the Kookaburras at the World Cup, Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and passed on this message via social media on Tuesday after hearing the news about Clifford while at Australian hockey headquarters in Perth.
“An absolutely professional administrator, a passionate sports fan and most importantly
a true gentleman,” Orchard said.
“Fantastic administrator for young athletes in the Hunter Region – started me on the journey.
“It’s a sad day for sport back home.”
Brett O’Farrell took over at the Hunter Academy of Sport when Clifford retired last year and acknowledged the incredible efforts of his predecessor in affording juniors across the region opportunities in all codes.
“Ken was extremely well-known and respected within the Hunter sporting community as both a participant and administrator and was the central figure in building the Hunter Academy of Sport to where it stands today,” O’Farrell posted online.
“A former teacher and sports organiser at Wallsend High School, Ken led the academy for 27 years until his retirement last year.
“Without his dedication and tireless effort, many athletes from across the Hunter would not have been afforded the opportunities they were given to pursue their dreams.
“For this Ken will always be remembered.”
After kicking off with a solo program, the academy now has 550 elite young people from 28 sports and the Hunter Festival of Sport, which started in 1991, now attracts up to 20,000 participants each year.
Clifford was also president
of Newcastle District Cricket Association for 12 years and was later made an association life member, following a first grade playing career with Waratah and University.
He was also Newcastle Basketball Association president and a top-level basketball referee, a foundation member of Lord Taverners’ branch in Newcastle and heavily involved in Hunter water polo administration.
“Can’t think of anyone who has given more to sport in the Hunter in a lifetime,” Newcastle Herald sports editor Kevin Cranson wrote on Twitter.
“Tireless, and a gentleman with it.”
Former Australian cricketer, now international umpire, Paul Wilson agreed.
“Saddened to hear the news of Ken Clifford’s passing,” he said.
“His impact on many young people throughout the Hunter was immeasurable.”
Clifford was a weekly contributor to the Mercury sports section for many years with his column called Academy Notes.
He is survived by his wife Laraine, his daughters Stephanie and Jacqueline, his step-children, Glen and Rochelle, and his grandchildren, Sarah, Luke, Eleanor, Josephine, Perry, Amelia, Sonny, Isobel, Abbey and Sophie.
Funeral details have yet to be announced.
– Josh Callinan