Arsenal has released an obituary announcing the death of Ken Friar, the club's lifetime president and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Friar, born on August 13, 1934, had a connection with the club spanning nine decades, having begun working for Arsenal in 1945 and leaving an indelible mark on its development.

Arsenal's official statement:

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Ken Friar OBE, our lifetime president.

Many inspirational figures have shaped Arsenal since its founding in 1886, but none has had as profound an impact on Arsenal Football Club as "Mr. Friar." He leaves an extraordinary legacy of dedicated service to the club throughout his life—a contribution that will likely never be equaled.

Friar was born in Islington on August 13, 1934. He began working for the club shortly after World War II, a connection that remarkably extended across nine decades. He was the living history of this club, loved Arsenal throughout his life, and represented the club with unfailing excellence.

The story of Kenneth John Friar's connection to Arsenal deserves to be retold.

In 1945, 11-year-old Ken was playing tennis with friends on Avenell Road, opposite the Marble Halls at Highbury, when their ball rolled under a large car. At that moment, a strong voice from across the street called out: "What are you doing, boy?"

The speaker was Arsenal manager George Allison. He called Ken over and told him to return the next day. Young Friar, true to his word, came back. His enthusiasm impressed Allison, who offered him a job: delivering messages between the club's main gate and the ticket office, for a weekly wage of half a shilling.

Five years later, in 1950, after Ken graduated from Highbury County Grammar School, Arsenal offered him a full-time position. Though Ken had initially expected to pursue a better-paid opportunity as an apprentice stockbroker, his parents valued the stability of working for Arsenal more highly. Ultimately, Ken joined the club's ticket office as a junior clerk.

Ken was perceptive, witty, and skilled at dealing with people from all walks of life. He could engage equally well with ordinary workers in the stands or with magnates on the board.

In 1965, Ken became assistant secretary to Bob Wall, and it was in this role that he truly began to understand every aspect of running a football club.

In 1966, he played a crucial role in organizing the heavyweight championship boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Henry Cooper at Highbury. He often cited this event as one of the proudest experiences of his career.

In 1973, Ken became club secretary, an important figure at Arsenal and gradually one of the most respected administrators in football.

In 1983, he was appointed Chief Executive, further solidifying his position at Arsenal and in football generally.

By then, Ken was effectively responsible for the club's day-to-day operations. He led Arsenal through a transitional period, which was followed by the glorious and trophy-laden years under George Graham's management.

Ken was delighted to see Arsenal return to the pinnacle of football under Graham's leadership. The two had known each other for two decades, since Graham joined Arsenal as a player.

However, this was also a period of severe challenges for senior football executives. The persistent problem of hooliganism, recurring proposals for mandatory ID cards for all supporters, and the need for major stadium renovations were constant concerns.

Indeed, the possibility of leaving Highbury had been seriously discussed for decades. Ken was involved in various related negotiations, and the club at one point considered relocating to Wembley, Alexandra Palace, or even further afield to play its matches.

But in 2000, Ken, with his vision, transitioned to a role as director overseeing the stadium relocation project, spearheading Arsenal's move from Highbury to a new stadium nearby in Ashburton Grove.

Ken was undoubtedly the ideal person to drive this enormous project in Islington. He worked tirelessly alongside another long-time director and friend, Danny Fiszman, dedicating himself body and soul to the endeavor.

It was Islington, Ken's own Islington.

Through tireless work, immense passion, and exceptional diplomatic skill, he ensured the project overcame all procedural obstacles and difficulties, ultimately leading to the stadium's timely completion in July 2006 and within budget.

Due to Ken's close ties with the British Royal Family, it was originally planned that Her Majesty the Queen would personally attend the official opening ceremony of the Emirates Stadium.

However, due to the Queen's declining health, the Duke of Edinburgh presided over the ceremony. Afterward, Ken, along with Arsenal's entire first-team squad, was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen.

This marked another significant moment in his career.

This magnificent new stadium, a true temple of football, also became the ideal home for another successful Arsenal team, managed by Arsène Wenger, another dear friend and inspiration to Ken.

For roughly another decade, Ken continued to shape the club's direction as a board member. With his unique communication and local coordination skills, he ensured Arsenal maintained a productive and respectful relationship with the local council.

Indeed, it is hard to imagine anyone more deserving of the Freedom of the London Borough of Islington, an honor he received in 2004.

Ken accepted this honor with characteristic humility, just as he did when he was awarded the OBE in 2000 for his services to football.

In 2014, Arsenal renamed the South Stand Bridge the "Ken Friar Bridge" in recognition of his immense contributions to the club, yet Ken still attempted, unsuccessfully, to downplay his profound impact on the club.

A statue was also erected on the bridge, depicting young Ken as a junior at Avenell Road, at the pivotal moment that would change his destiny.

In 2020, Ken stepped down as Chief Executive and was appointed lifetime president of the club. Though no longer directly involved in Arsenal's day-to-day operations as before, he continued to arrive at the stadium early on match days, attending to various club matters.

It was also during this period that he lost Gwen, the love of his life. This was a devastating blow to Ken and his family, who had shared more than 60 years together.

All who knew Ken will never forget him.

Whether they were players who sat with him, listening carefully as he meticulously explained contract clauses, or local council members who heard him calmly and persuasively articulate the club's value to the Islington community, or club staff who loved hearing his rich stories accumulated over decades, he will always be remembered.

Most importantly, by his family and close friends, who loved Ken as a kind, generous, and excellent father, grandfather, and friend.

Ironically, Ken Friar himself may not have wanted much reflection on his life's achievements, for he always embodied Arsenal's motto "Victoria Concordia Crescit" (Victory Through Harmony).

Another of his life's maxims was: "The next match is always the most important."

While there were important matters to address in the future, this belief would not allow him to dwell much on the past.

Yet it is hard not to recall one particular image:

In 1945, arranged by George Allison, Ken began his journey as an Arsenal employee, passing through the club's gates on match days. He would slip quietly through the players' tunnel, just to catch a glimpse of his heroes playing on the sacred turf of Highbury.

That team still included Cliff Bastin and George Male, both great stars of Arsenal's dominant 1930s side under Herbert Chapman.

More than 75 years later, Ken witnessed Arsenal's 13th league title, and he still cherished every moment of seeing Arsenal players command the pitch, win trophies, and see the Arsenal name shine across the world.

We would not be where we are today without Ken.

At this difficult time, our deepest condolences go to Ken Friar's family and the many friends he leaves behind.

Traduzido por IA.

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