Thursday, June 28, 2012

A tribute to Kenny Harris

Kenny Harris, creativity expert, speaker and all-round great bloke, passed away on Wednesday. He leaves behind a loving family and many, many friends grateful for his presence.

Kenny was he funniest guy I ever met, not to mention being a creative genius. His company, Headsurfing, had clients all over the UK grateful for the shots of creativity he provided. His commitment to the speaking profession was evidenced by the fact that he kept the Scottish region of the Professional Speaking Association running by putting in his own money. On stage, he had audiences crying tears of laughter as he delivered line after line of original humour.

He was my best friend in the speaking world since the day we met at our first speaking conference many years ago. We shared many long slightly woozy evenings together and through our long-standing mastermind group with Lesley Everett and Sean Weafer, were the greatest influence on each others' success in business.

We will all miss him terribly. My thoughts go to his wife Diane and his children Alex and Ellen, as well as the rest of his close-knit family.

Kenny, you were a gem.

26 comments:

Graham Jones said...

This is really sad and shocking news. My thoughts are with Kenny's family at this time. I also recall Kenny's humour, creativity and his kindness. He was always willing to help, always ready with a funny story and always a friend. I will be one of many, many professional speakers who will miss Kenny.

Ayd Instone said...

I'm stunned. He was massive personal inspiration for me. He made me laugh and now he's making me cry. An amazing guy.

Miguel Neves said...

This is very sad news. I only met Kenny once, but he certainly made a positive impression. My sincere condolences.

Lee Clarke said...

What a shock. I'm stunned to hear this. An absolute professional, totally committed and yes, very funny man. A great loss , especially to his family.

Chris Coney said...

I only knew Kenny in the digital world. I watched his leadership within the Scottish PSA and his great determination. If our admiration for him causes us to kick it up a notch in our own lives, then that will form part of his legacy.

Jim Cronin said...

I met Kenny a number of times several years ago, and tracked him since via the digital world. A man committed to his cause. My sympathies to his friends and family.

Emma Heath said...

I was shocked and saddened to hear this news today. There aren't many people I would call a one of a kind legend but Kenny was just that. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thinking of his family who he always talked so proudly about.

Unknown said...

Kenny was one of life's enthusiast who was always positive and looking to make those around him happy. Delighted for the success of others and equally encouraging to those starting out. A naturally funny man, funny on and off stage, without ever losing a natural humility. You will be sadly missed.
Blue skies Kenny.

Sean Weafer said...

I am just stunned. To lose the 'half man half badger' best of drinking and professional buddies and a fellow Celt is just such a loss. I'll forever remember being blessed by his warmth, humanity and pure goodness as a man.

Jim said...

The world is a small place. The circumstances of Linz getting to know Kenny through work all those years ago and then "re-meeting" him again through yourself and Heather are proof of this. A man whose personality genuinely did fill a room, Kenny was one of the few people of whom you can honestly say that no time in his presence was ever wasted. A sad, sad loss.

Joanna Tong said...

I sat next to Kenny at the PSA conference dinner, a man of generosity and joy. He will be missed by us all.

Martin Laschkolnig said...

Sad news. Even though I only met Kenny twice on the occasion of the PSA UK Conventions, I was thorougly impressed by his speaking and even more by his genuineness and warmth as a human being.

In an industry, where big egos are a not too rare occurence, Kenny was wonderfully different - very approachable, open minded and kind. I'll gladly remember him this way, he has enriched my life. Thank you, Kenny.

Jacques de Villiers said...

I met Kenny in South Africa. What a solid guy. Condolences to his family.

Paul Sloane said...

Very sad news

Anonymous said...

I am still trying to come to terms with this very sad news. Only 2 weeks ago we had our Mastermind Meeting when as usual he provided support, warmth and humour - 3 words that describe the wonderful Kenny Harris. I will miss him terribly. My love and thoughts are with Diane, Alex and Ellen and the rest of the family.

Lesley Everett said...

I am still trying to come to terms with this very sad news. Only 2 weeks ago we had our Mastermind Meeting when as usual he provided support, warmth and humour - 3 words that describe the wonderful Kenny Harris. I will miss him terribly. My love and thoughts are with Diane, Alex and Ellen and the rest of the family.

Mike Southon said...

What terrible news - Kenny was a lovely, funny, clever, knowledgeable, helpful and wonderful man - I always hugely enjoyed his company - he will be sorely missed

Robin Pullen said...

How sad to hear of this. I still recall his presence on the stage at the South African convention last year. His warmth touch and inspired the lives of many in the room just like it did mine. Our sincere and warm thoughts towards family and close friends.

Lynda Shaw said...

This is so terribly sad. Wonderful, warm, welcoming, gentle, funny and generous. My heart goes out to your family Kenny. It was so very good to know you albeit briefly.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.