Tributes have been paid to a former chairman of a cricket club who “would help anyone” and oversaw the most successful time in the club’s history. Rod Kenyon, of Wareham Close, Accrington, passed away from lung cancer at his home on Sunday, December 29, aged 78.
The beloved father-of-six was a well-respected figure in the cricket community and beyond, taking the roles of president and chairman of Accrington Cricket Club. Rod’s association with the club started in 1959 as a junior member when he recalled being coached by Bobby Simpson who was pro at the time.
After many years of helping the club in various roles he became chairman in 2004, taking over from the late Peter Barratt. During his time as chairman he oversaw the most successful time in the club’s history as they were Lancashire League Champions three times.
They were runners-up on two occasions and did the league and Worsley Cup double for the only time in 2008. He was also responsible for signing many top professionals during that time, including record-breaking pro Ashar Zaidi in 2011.
His daughter Sam said: “He was kind, loving, funny and he loved the banter. He really liked people and would help anyone and he was a very hands-on granddad. He was good at finding connections and engaging with youngsters.”
Rod Kenyon celebrating Accrington Cricket Club winning the Worsley Cup
(Image: Family handout)
After stepping down as chairman at the end of the 2018 season he was elected president, a role he held for four years and which he described at the time as a great honour. The devoted grandfather-of-seven was also made a life member of the club at the 2023 AGM in recognition of everything he had done for the club over many years.
Rod was born in Accrington to parents Mary and Edwin and was a brother of Linda and the late Myra. His mother worked at Joseph Arnold while his father ran market stalls in Haslingden selling household items.
The former St Christopher’s Secondary School pupil did an apprenticeship with a mechanics for a short spell and then trained to be a cobbler. He worked for various companies as a delivery driver and particularly loved working with Iceland.
His wife Beverley says Rod was a part of a monumental change when the retailer became the supermarket to do home deliveries. He joined the company around the late 1990s and during his time working with them enjoyed meeting many people from different walks of life.
Rod was not only known for his legendary record at Accrington Cricket Club but also for his devotion to charity work. While he worked at Iceland he pulled one of the company’s vans from Accrington to the Iceland based in Blackburn on his back with the help of others to raise money for Children in Need.
Accrington Cricket Club Chairman, Jonathan Hayhurst, said: “Everyone at Accrington Cricket Club would like to pass on our condolences to Rod’s wife Bev, his family and friends and pay tribute to Rod for the many years he committed to the club.
“Rod was a massive part of the club for so many years and took on various roles showing amazing commitment and love for the club, making a real difference within our community.
“His great work paid off whilst being chairman as the club had its most successful years with league and cup titles, along with his great work securing many sponsorship deals, signing some brilliant professionals, and spending many hours volunteering at the club.
“Rod was a great character who loved watching cricket and supporting the club and its many teams, taking a keen interest in some of our developing players all the way up to the first team.
“Volunteers such as Rod are the lifeblood of any club, and the club will be forever thankful for everything he did. He will be fondly remembered by all the friends he made both at the club and across all the Lancashire League grounds.”
Rod Kenyon was a well respected figure in the cricket community and beyond, taking the roles of president and chairman of Accrington Cricket Club
(Image: Family handout)
Accrington Cricket Club posted the sad news of Rod’s passing on Facebook in a post which attracted more than 40 comments. One person said: “Rod was a top bloke, great memories of Sunday morning football with Huncoat united. RIP Rod.”
Another social media user added: “Remember him from my young days as a little girl growing up on Within Grove sad news. RIP Rod.”
Another wrote: “Really sad news. First met Rod when he coached us for Accy Stanley youth team, always put the lads first back then and it was fantastic to keep that bond through the years at ACC as well. A really top man.”
Rod Kenyon with his wife Beverley
(Image: Family handout)
Rod met his wife Beverley at a dance hall in Accrington where he asked her to dance. He gave Beverley a card on her 50th birthday in 2000 with a wedding invitation inside which revealed their wedding would be the next day at Accrington Registrar Office.
They enjoyed travelling and to UK holiday destinations such as Bournemouth and Isle of Man. Rod was terrified of travelling by plane but he braved a flight and went on his first holiday to Majorca with Beverley.
He could be spotted at Accrington’s Bullough Park playing cricket in his younger days. The adored great-grandfather-of-three devoted his time to helping others and organised quiz nights, treasure hunts and other events to fundraise for Children in Need.
Rod also volunteered with Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary and supported them during their Santa visits. He loved football and cricket and was a big supporter of Accrington Stanley and Manchester City.
He was a proud grandfather to Matthew, Jonathan, Cailan, Autumn, Ellie, Anna and Josie and great-grandfather to Jack, Isla and Alice. He took Autumn to see Steps in Manchester when she was around ten years old and his family say that after he left the concert he couldn’t stop gleefully singing.
He also fostered a close bond with Sam’s Border Terrier Bertiem who adored him.
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