Ken Gardner's memorial

Kenneth Raymond Gardner, also known as Dark Greenn passed away on the 16th of July 2018. It was Ken's wish for his body to be donated to medical science but as his cause of death could not be identified after a month with the coroner and two post mortems, his body was denied. We now have the difficult job of arranging a funeral service for a man who didn't want one or set aside financially for one but thoroughly deserves the best send off we can give him! Ken was never a fan of religious ceremonies and didn't want to be buried. He did however admire cremation and the way cultures around the globe celebrate life rather than mourning death. With that in mind, we're attempting to organise a non religious cremation on the 14th of September 2018 fitting of the legend that was Ken "Dark Greenn" Gardner. Ken R. Gardner  07/03/1955 - 16/07/2018 Ken was a loving husband, caring ex-husband, inspirational father and best friend. The only thing that could touch the love he had for his family was his passion for music and the arts.  He dedicated his fast life to music. If he wasn't working on his own material, he would be helping and nurturing  others both in and out of the studio becoming a father figure to many.  Ken's wide range of interests and naturally open mind let him find common ground with almost anyone, and he was always willing to share his expertise, often in fields people wouldn't expect. Hopefully between his boys (Curt and Cris) and his music, his legacy will live on. Some of those reading this who knew Ken may not know what he got up to before or after they knew him... Ken started his musical endeavours in the early 70's as a folk guitarist and singer in prog bands around Portsmouth, he soon grew into a Punk/Rock/Ska vocalist and formidable front man. He took over as vocalist for "Arms and Legs" when "Joe Jackson" left to pursue his well known musical career, and was also in "Lycanda" and "The Public Heirs" before moving to London... Then, Ken started "The Rhythm Squad", met Suzanne, started  "The Siberians" and then of course "Igor's Night Off" before reforming "The Public Heirs" for a short spell. In 1986 he was approached to work at Blackwing Recording Studios as an engineer and later studio manager/resident producer. While at the studio Ken worked with StereoLab, Ride, My Bloody Valentine, Levitation, Autumn, Pixies, Smiley Culture, the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra and more. While rubbing shoulders with the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Gomez, This Mortal Coil, Erasure, Alison Moyet and Depeche Mode to name a few. Ken would take a young Curt to the studio as often as he could, and he loved it. Fast forward a couple of decades and Ken and Curt started experimenting making music together. In 2014 the pair started Blackfriars Records and released the "Igor's Night Off" album that never was. Then, in 2017 after 10 years in the works Ken was able to release his first solo album, co-produced by Curt. Featuring both of his boys, old and new friends and the love of his life Suzanne. released on the label he created. Thank you on behalf of Suzanne, Curt & Cris Any/all donations towards Ken's send off are greatly appreciated.    You lived one hell of a life Ken, We love you xx