4BR has been informed of the death of Kenneth Billington, the highly respected former treasurer of Elland Silver Band.

He passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 13th May, aged 92. He leaves a son, daughter, five grandchildren and a great grandson.

Long career

Ken began playing as a young boy with the Salvation Army band in Elland, following in the footsteps of his father Edgar — eventually emulating him by joining Brighouse & Rastrick as a committee member.

He later became secretary of the Elland Christian Evangelical Fellowship Alliance (CEFA) Youth Band, a position he held for 15 years, helping to start many a young player on their way to a musical career.

Elland connection

In 1983 his granddaughter Samantha began her musical connection to Elland Silver Band, and Ken joined the organisation with his daughter Kathleen as members of the committee — Ken taking on the treasurer role he held for 32 years.

During this time he took great care of the band's finances and has witnessed the fantastic growth of the band whilst also being a very proud grandparent as further family members joined.

Greatest wishes

He felt very privileged to have worked alongside Jack Harrison, Geoffrey Whitham, Tony Whittaker, James Shepherd and David Essex who he felt brought a great wealth of knowledge to the band, whilst one of his greatest wishes was to see Elland move into new band headquarters — something they will hopefully do in the near future.

Great legacy

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Ken leaves a great legacy and he will be missed by all his family and the many people whose lives he touched."

Ken leaves a great legacy and he will be missed by all his family and the many people whose lives he touchedElland Band spokesperson

Funeral details

His funeral will take place on Thursday 28th May, 1.30pm, at All Saints Church, Savile Road, Elland, HX5 0NH — followed by a private cremation for family and close friends at Park Wood Crematorium, Park Road, Elland.

Family flowers only but donations in lieu of flowers to Elland Silver Band c/o Charles Wood Undertakers, St John's Chapel of Rest, Bramston Street, Brighouse, HD6 3AA.