In appreciation of Ken Byng

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

I thought it a good idea to start a new thread rather than add to the other one.
I have great respect for Ken as a pedal steel player and a caring human being, I have met Ken in person at Dallas a few times and We have corresponded regularly.
I was completely knocked off My seat upon reading Ken's words of farewell,I mailed Him immediately and being the Gentleman that He is there were no bad mouthing of anyone from Ken,He just said He was Pee'd off with a few.
Ken and Myself will continue to keep in touch and I respect His decision without needing a detailled reason.
This site has lost a really great member.
Billy

[coolsteel]

I would like to second the fact that in my opinion this community has lost a very well respected member and brilliant player. I have not read Ken's farwell note if indeed there was one but just happen to have read Zumbilly's post. I have not had the privilege of meeting Ken in person but I have been in touch with him on a number of times via this website in the past and found him most helpful, he also brought a lot of discussion and valid comments to the website and was always willing to go out of his way to help. It is indeed sad to think that whatever happened that it drove Ken away and in particular when he is still recovering from a serious medical condition. If anyone could furnish me with a contact telephone number for Ken I would very much appreciate it. ( Please PM me the number do NOT post it on the website ) many thanks.

Richard

[Bill McKillop]

I don't write in here often and have just met Ken Byng the one time. I was introduced to him at the Dallas Show earlier this year by Billy Murdoch. My first impression of Ken was that he was a caring individual who never having met me, made me feel very comfortable in his presence. Along with Malcolm McMaster, he took me in his rented car to Walmart in order to purchase some Mother's Mag and he even gave me a gift of an Emmons Push-Pull tuning key. Not bad for a guy whom one has just met! They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Well, Ken Byng didn't need a second chance with me. I found him to be a very genuinely friendly person and a man of high integrity who was only too willing to help out and welcome me into his company.

I don't know why he's decided to end his relationship with this forum, maybe it has to do with the run of poor health he's having to endure, but one thing is certain and that is that it is this forum's loss and not Ken's.

[Dave Nutt]

Report this postReply with quoteRe: Hi - new member looking for some advice!
by Dave Nutt » Wed Jun 27, 2012 3:00 pm


Yet another situation where a few added smily's or better still the ommision of a few words might have been beneficial.
Ken Byng has to be one of the most experienced and knowledgable guys we have had on this site,his constant efforts to help and encourage guys of any standard are well known both here and the stateside forum. Even after 40 years of playing I myself called on Kens expertise last year to sort out a 1st string raise issue on my Emmons, helpfull isnt the description I would use, with his advice I had the issue sorted in no time. We also have to realise (no excuses here, just fact) that Ken has not been in the best of health of late, believe me that doesnt help (I know by my own recent misfortune)
So-perhaps ending a post with 'no one better' when Ken had just willingly invited an unknown newbie to come look at his steel setups may well have been inappropriate. Knowing Ken hospitality and loads of free invaluable advice would have gone hand in hand to the visitor- perhaps in retrospect the 'no one better' comment when referring to GH may just have dinged Kens bell a little.

Secondly, I doubt anyone who respects Ken Byng would want to see him leave this forum (enough old farts have done that already)
So! a follow up response containing the comment- 'dummy out of the pram' etc is neither helpfull or necessary in the situation.
If we have lost Kens input, this site will be a much quieter and less helpfull place than of late.
Ken-If you peek in, get your arse back here pronto, lots on here really value your input
Dave.

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