A MAN who served bowls and football with distinction for more than half a century has sadly passed away.

Ken Dean, who died at the age of 80, was known as a legend of local sport.

He was a key figure in local football in the area and was a co-founder of the Blackburn Sunday League while he also served on the Blackburn Combination executive.

Born-and-bred in Great Harwood, Ken was also treasurer and secretary of the old Lancashire Combination and then went on to serve as treasurer and fixture secretary of the North West Counties League for 19 years.

Known for his attention to detail and organisational skills, Ken was also chairman of the East Lancashire League from 1984 to 1995.

He returned to the Blackburn Sunday League – a league he helped set up with John Haydock in the 1970s – as chairman in 2001, a position he held until 2009.

On retiring he was made an honourary vice president.

“In terms of local sport, Ken was a legend and he will be sorely missed,” said Blackburn Sunday League fixture secretary Bill Maynard. “Ken was incredibly knowledgeable and someone you could always turn to for advice.”

But away from football he was also committed to bowls and was president of the Blackburn and District Bowling League and was also chairman of Queens Park Bowling Club.

He was also a keen player of the game and played in several leagues across the borough – one of his proudest moments was winning the Blackburn Town doubles event with his daughter Julie.

Ken also served the Blackburn and District Sports Council with distinction and sat on the committee.

A church service will be held at St Peter’s Church, Mill Hill on Friday at 12 noon prior to a cremation at Pleasington.

Family flowers only, or if desired donations may be made in memory of Ken to Alzheimer’s Society.