Kenneth George Edward Hardeman, January 21 1936-July 16 2007
FEW politicians earn the tide of respect and admiration which swept Birmingham Cathedral yesterday as hundreds of people gathered to honour the memory of Ken Hardeman.
The 72-year-old had a chequered career as a boxer, paratrooper, pioneering Broad Street restaurateur and, for the past three years, as a member of Birmingham's cabinet running the city's multi-million pound regeneration portfolio.
And friends from all walks of life turned up to honour the career of a man whose simple aim was to make the city he loved a better place to live, work and do business.
Whether helping to clear prostitutes off the streets of Balsall Heath or creating the first green space in what will eventually be a £25 million city centre park, Aston-born Coun Hardeman was a Birmingham politician who made a difference.
"He was loved, admired, and respected", city leader Mike Whitby told the congregation in a moving tribute from the Cathedral pulpit.
"Birmingham has lost a true champion."
In a political career that spanned 40 years and embraced both the Liberal Democrats and Conservative parties, Coun Hardeman represented five different city wards and fought more election campaigns than any other politician in Birmingham.
He won a few. Lost a few more. But always came back for more.
And though he spoke his mind and could be the most forthright individual when he held strong opinions, such was his approach that he had few, if any, enemies.
And yesterday, in a moving service of steadfast hymns, tearful memories and a most poignant performance of Ave Maria, representatives from all corners of the city came together to show their respect as one, united Birmingham for a real Brummie we all admired.
So long, Ken. Though it’s an oft-quoted phrase, the words “we’ll miss you� have never rung so true.