Ken Lacey

Ken Lacey created a memory on each occasion I would have the pleasure of working with him. From his early Accenture days in London when he was enabling JIT Manufacturing through to later days in Pharma, he always provided support and always with wit, energy, the biggest smile, and the most force. Such a lovely man.

As a point of reference, Scott (brother-in law married to my sister Teresa, Class of '77) was one year ahead of Ken at Rice. I was one year behind him.

To the three of us, Ken was the consummate competitor, equally in sport as in life. Scott, a varsity Basketball player, played 3 years of Club Volleyball with Ken, whereas I played 3 years of Club Soccer with him. NO ONE played to their potential, wanted to win, or extracted more from the experience of competition than Lacey. It did not matter whether it was tennis, golf, or bridge, Ken was always the most formidable team-mate, opponent, and participant on the field of play.

Additionally, Ken was the most dependable of friends -- not one that was intended to last this lifetime, but one that was of a forever nature. Regardless of the distance and time between us, reconnecting was immediate and rewarding. So glad I was able to visit with Ken & Grayson August 2024 in their marvelous home and actually meet some of his best friends at the Alderley Edge Cricket Club.

What we all admired the most about Ken, was his ability to live in the moment, give others his undivided attention, and use his amazing intellect and people skills (up until his last earthly days) to make one feel like the most important person in his life,

As a point of reference, Scott (brother-in law married to my sister Teresa, Class of '77) was one year ahead of Ken at Rice. I was one year behind him.

To the three of us, Ken was the consummate competitor, equally in sport as in life. Scott, a varsity Basketball player, played 3 years of Club Volleyball with Ken, whereas I played 3 years of Club Soccer with him. NO ONE played to their potential, wanted to win, or extracted more from the experience of competition than Lacey. It did not matter whether it was tennis, golf, or bridge, Ken was always the most formidable team-mate, opponent, and participant on the field of play.

Additionally, Ken was the most dependable of friends -- not one that was intended to last this lifetime, but one that was of a forever nature. Regardless of the distance and time between us, reconnecting was immediate and rewarding. So glad I was able to visit with Ken & Grayson August 2024 in their marvelous home and actually meet some of his best friends at the Alderley Edge Cricket Club.

What we all admired the most about Ken, was his ability to live in the moment, give others his undivided attention, and use his amazing intellect and people skills (up until his last earthly days) to make one feel like the most important person in his life,

Ken

It’s all been said! Here’s a bit more

14 years working with Ken in the Pharmacy practice 1990-2004 across the globe. It was an immense pleasure

We definitely ’worked hard and played hard’. We drove the length of England one early morning after a PMP Conference. 1. We got the proposal in by the deadline that day and 2. We won the engagement :)

I learnt a lot about punctuation writing proposals with Ken. You’ll know

The only improvement I could have suggested, but didn’t, was sort that putting out :)
It was a blast. He will be missed.

Cheers Mike (and Maria)

I loved Ken. He lit up every room. His infectious smile and laughter were unmatched. On a very cold cold day in London, the temperature was lower than 10 degrees, Ken, David and I were waiting for a cab in Exhibition Road; there were none (for a long time) and we were getting very cold. Ken? He never stopped laughing and being optimistic about the cab home. Bravo Ken, you have made so many people happy just doing their work. Result! Chris

Ken was a giant.
My god,what a loss for you all,
His constant smile was infectious, his persistant glowing enthusiasm for everything life thew at him was breathtaking.
We worked together at Accenture of couse but we also worked together on private equity stuff thereafter, and he was still the same Ken, more enthuastic about life than anyone I knew.
He will be missed by his broader community but he''ll be missed by you more, his close family. God bless you all xx

Lovely memories of Ken at parties in Alderley Edge with a drink in hand and a welcoming smile. Such a lovely guy, always happy to offer his time, support and sage advice.

I am sorry that Sandy and I are out if the country for Ken’s Memorial. I had the privilege of working with Ken for some twenty years in the Pharmaceutical and Products businesses of Andersen Consulting and Accenture. Throughout that time Ken was a supremely client centric leader and consultant with a matching talent for people leadership and mentoring. I am confident that many of those who benefitted from his passionate career support will be wishing to mark their appreciation of his impact at the memorial. I was personally hugely thankful for the immense support Ken gave me in helping to build the global Products business and his championing of the wider Industry agenda across the organisation. We enjoyed many successes (and a few more challenging times - eg with the NHS) but all along Ken remained a positive force full of ideas and energy. I have fond memories of him wandering around the outer reaches of my garden at our annual Winterfold strategy retreats forlornly seeking a mobile signal. I remember Ken’s friendship and banter on our many long shared plane trips across the planet and late night red wines in hotel bars! Most of all though I recall a special colleague who contributed a huge amount to clients, teams and the company while always having a smile on his face. He will be sorely missed and Sandy and my thoughts are with his family as you mark his way too early passing. Best. Mark

Ken was the man you wanted to see holding forth at the bar - you knew it would be a good party - or playing alongside you on the tennis court - he would fight to the last. He was a loud, ebullient, Yank with a smile on his face and a fierce desire to win running in his veins. We played against each other or alongside each other in many, many tennis matches over the years. The tougher the match was, the more red and sweaty he became and the noisier would be his encouragements. I recall one away match at Brabyns where us old timers were playing a bunch of kids who fought us to the point of exhaustion and then went out and played some more just for fun. I will miss his conversation - he was fascinating about the state of modern America - and his companionship. Who now will hold court at The Drum and Monkey. a chinking glass of bourbon and Coke in hand? There will be a huge turn out at his memorial at the club. I hope everybody stands at the bar, talks loudly and orders a Cuba Libre for the hell of it. Unfortunately I do not think I will be able to attend but I shall raise a glass in his honour. Ken, we will miss you.

Saddened to read about Ken's passing in the Spring Rice Magazine that I received today. The soccer picture dated 1972 was actually spring 1973 and the location was the University of Houston. I'm #19. I still remember most of the guys - Coach Albert Van Helden, Jim Vance, George Dames, Craig (Pineapple) Jones, Jim Maitland, Nans Tishler, John Osbourne, Anistapholes (Tasso) Triantopholes. I fondly remember my times playing at Rice - it helped keep me sane. Ken was a unique forward. Any ball in the air was his - a real monster.

I remember Tasso carrying on when the Greeks were fighting the Turks over Cyprus He wanted to go fight.. "How can I show my face if I don't go fight?" says Tasso. Ken replied "How can you show your face if you're dead?" Tasso stayed at Rice.

A lot of memories.

Ken was one of the most influential Partners in our Accenture office at Kingsley Hall, Manchester. He was always on hand for a chat and if there was an issue it was "never as bad as it seemed" after a few words from Ken.
He seemed to smile perpetually and host the best off site meetings. A great supporter of our Kingsley Hall footie team and golf days.
He had an extremely loyal of colleagues in his pharma team who all shared Ken's passion for their industry and clients. He ensured that his team got the work/life balance ethos way before it became a corporate buzzword. Simply a wonderful colleague, leader and proud husband and father.

Dearest Nick.
My love and thought go out to you and your family. I hope that you have a wonderful celebration of an amazing life. I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad, but I have had the honour of calling you both a colleague and a dear friend. Your father must be so proud of the human that you have become and all the beautiful ways in which you have deeply impacted our world.
To have created a beautiful human like you he too must have been a fabulous human.
All my love from Kiribati
Therese xxx

Dearest Nick.
My love and thought go out to you and your family. I hope that you have a wonderful celebration of an amazing life. I never had the opportunity to meet your Dad, but I have had the honour of calling you both a colleague and a dear friend. Your father must be so proud of the human that you have become and all the beautiful ways in which you have deeply impacted our world.
To have created a beautiful human like you he too must have been a fabulous human.
All my love from Kiribati
Therese xxx

I played tennis with Ken and had many a laugh over a drink afterwards. We will all miss him at Alderley Edge Tennis Club . xx

So many wonderful memories of my mate Ken, a couple which I want to share with you on here which portray the larger than life character who was the one and only Ken.

We were on a boys trip to Bunyola - 2018 - reprobates included Mark Slaven, Norman Meredith, Ringo and myself. Ken greeted us at Palma airport and duly drove us back to his finca, on arrival Ken made the announcement that he had lost the HUGE bunch of keys that were required to not only get through the gates but to also access the property. We managed to get through the gate but had no clue as to how we were going to enter the finca. It was at this point that Ken pointed out that the tiniest window in the building was indeed open. As the smallest and obviously most agile I was nominated to break in, even a three year old child would have struggled to get through this particular opening. Ken somehow squeezed me through and just said 'Crack on you'll be fine' whilst holding onto my ankles. He had not disclosed that this was the downstairs restroom and I was therefore dangling head first into the lavatory! Our friendship was surely challenged at this point as I got the feeling Ken didn't care if I ended up in the loo or not, he just wanted me to get in and open the door! I never forgave him for that!

A few years later, we were having our usual Friday afternoon squash battle, we decided to have an early evening rum or two (for Ken) and a beer for me at the local Drum & Monkey pub. Ken was very enthusiastic as he had informed me it was a karaoke night. As I was walking towards the pub I heard this horrendous din, I waked in and to my utter astonishment at what should be the busiest Friday evening, the pub was empty except for the bar staff and Ken blasting out 'Born in the USA' . Ken thought he was absolutely brilliant, swinging his microphone around, singing like a banshee and dancing like an orangutan stung by a wasp! He wasn't asked for an encore!!

Ken, I miss you, you were truly a wonderful friend to many and I was so privileged to have you in my life for so many years. Glad I always beat you at squash!

Everybody loved Ken . You were always met with a giant smile and a hearty greeting and boundless enthusiasm. At Alderley Edge tennis club he demonstrated a unique style of loopy forehands , deadly backhand lobs within an inch of the baseline , incredible stop volleys no matter how hard you hit the ball at him . I always wanted to partner with him than be his opponent .
He had a similar attitude and style at golf. I watched open mouthed the first time I saw him put his hand in his pocket and proceed to putt one handed and hole it !!!
Off the course or court he was equally irrepressible . No one could match his rate of consumption of Old Fashioneds or Bacardi & Coke . But the only time I saw him display any sign of inebriation was after an all day drinking session in Puerto dAndratx when he stood up fully compos mentis but then nearly destroyed half the restaurant when he stood up to leave … luckily we collectively managed to catch him . Ken , one of the world’s great guys , sorely missed but forever in our heart with fond memories. RIP Ken the super yank 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

It was such a pleasure to have known Ken and consider him to be a friend. He always had a big smile on his face and was always such good fun. He is sorely missed by so many. Rest in peace Ken xx

So sad to miss the memorial in May, but we are away. We last saw Ken in the Rodney, late summer, with one of his college mates.He was on wonderful form as usual. Sending lots of love to you all. Liz and Al xxx

I had the pleasure of working with Ken on several different things, most notably he was my most senior lead working with the North East on the NHS. This was the toughest engagement and Ken was a beacon of light - his care, support and humour were a god send and I will always be grateful for that and the many fun nights and events he was kind enough to include me. A sad loss but a great person to have known - thank you.

I first met Ken in the Autumn 1989. I had joined Andersen Consulting's Business Development Unit and after six weeks of induction in Arundel St I visited the Manchester Office, Charlotte Street, to introduce myself and outline my role in the organisation. After explaining to Ken that my role was to promote and sell Mac Pac application software in the North of England and Scotland and I was to be based in London and looking to relocate to the South East. After some thought, Ken said, "Leave it with me Rog". One and half hours later I was informed that I would be joining the team based in Manchester.

I first met Ken many years ago when the kids were small.
over the years we had a couple of ski holidays , met at dinner parties football and get togethers of one form or another.

Ken always engaged in conversation in the way I think he did everything else in his life, with passion,enthusiasm and boundless energy.

When you met Ken t was always " Hi how are you" ? his eyebrows would rise when you introduced a topic or fact in discussion, maybe in encouragement, maybe in surprise, but always with a smile.

We both ended up seeing a Bruce Springsteen at the Stadium of Light, we at opposite sides of the arena.
It was a fantastic concert even though the rain was torrential.
Bruce and the band gave it their all. I think Ken and Bruce share this trait in life and although in the face of adversity in the last while Ken perhaps listened a little more than he spoke, the essence of his energy shone through.

When people are gone they leave something for everyone, so from me thank you Ken for your never ending Joie de Vivre!

Many a Happy Thanksgiving at Holly Bank House

When I think of Ken, I think of him with a HUGE smile, and usually holding a child - first his own, and later one of my own or somebody else’s! We were very, very lucky in-laws to get to claim him as part of the family. We miss that big, exuberant, kind, fun (and maybe a little argumentative!) personality very much. ❤️

It is with great sadness and regret that we were unable to meet Ken. He seems like a fun, spirited soul. We share a Grandaughter, Ava with him. We look forward to meeting with the rest of the family someday soon. 🙏💜☮️

One of the most enthusiastic, energetic and solidly decent people I've ever known. Many great memories...always full of laughter.....including some great sailing trips. Rest well my friend.

Ken was godfather to our daughter Lily, a shareholder in my business and a great sparring partner on both the golf course and the squash court. I shall miss him very much in all of these capacities.

The best mentor ever ! Enthusiastic in everything he did. I never saw him grumpy once and I must have tried his patience sorely.
Fond memories of our last wine tasting in Mallorca.

I never had the opportunity of working closely with Ken, but I always enjoyed his company. He had a much deserved , reputation as a fine professional and an equally fine human being. My condolences to Ken’s family and his many friends.

I was a consultant working with Ken 1997-2006. It was early in my career and he was THE role model for me. He combined the sharpest of minds with a kindness and lightness of leadership I greatly admired. I marvelled at his ability to absorb information and identify the key points. I have spent my whole career aspiring to be like Ken. I will continue to ask myself: what would Ken do? I am so lucky to have had the chance to work with him.

Ken was wonderful company, positive and generous.

Always an inspiration both at work and play.

Together we were passionate Liverpool supporters and we both saw them win all the silverware.

He will be missed

Rest in peace

Andrew

Ken and I shared a group house in Houston while we were attending Rice. At one point we decided to take turns cooking dinners for the group (Ken, Cisco Escobar, Kevin Parker, Scott Thurston, and me). The first two dinners were pretty normal. Then it was Ken's turn, and he had the brilliant idea of "martinis and chili dogs". Gigantic martinis were consumed, and several went out (not me, as I had a 24-hour real analysis final to complete), and I only heard about it later: Some highlights were wild driving on the nearby golf course, and getting kicked out of the Rice basketball game for being "too loud" (I didn't know that was possible). Those were strong martinis!

ken’s laugh and smile he was such a positive man sadly missed xx

I’ve sailed with Ken, played tennis and drunk multiple rums with him,( tho couldn’t keep up!) Lovely fella and I miss him. Brian sumner

So many lovely memories of Ken- including singing Ooh Stick You on the ski chairlift.

Any social occasion would gain a lot from Ken being around, always happy to see you. Always very engaging, positive and warm. Keen to ask questions and relate to you.


We will all miss Ken xxx (pic from my wedding)

I am so sad. Ken was such a leader and mentor. Earth is a little less good and heaven got a big upgrade.

Ken, buddy, rest in peace.

What can I say - we loved Ken, he was a joy. Always smiling, always interested, truly engaged with everyone around him.
Goodbye Ken we’ll miss you xxxx

Ken was always great fun whatever he was doing. I have many happy memories of us together with our families and friends on the ski slopes. He was ever ready to help the children and less experienced skiers.
He was a fantastic tennis partner , leaving us in fits of laughter as he threw himself across the court.
Ken was also a very caring Godfather to Victoria.

For all the memories

Ken was an inspiration to us all. Happy go lucky and a mad keen football fan and player. I'm glad I knew him as a work colleague, friend and football player

Well Ken you fought many battles over the years but this one was too tough even for you.

So many memories but two stand out.

Catching the early train from Macc to London most weeks with you running over the bridge shoelaces and tie undone while I tried to get the guard to wait another 30 seconds.

Your foray into football club ownership with Warrington Town FC. It wasn't enough just to be a director. You insisted on actually playing for them. The 30 year age gap counted for nothing. And of course the players all thought you were great.

Ken, you had many gifts but perhaps the most important was your humanity and completeness. In the 40 years I have known you I can't remember you ever saying anything bad about anybody. Even more unusually I can't recall anybody ever saying a bad word about you.

Rest in peace mate.

You were the best Ken. 🤍

I could not imagine anyone better to share the last 40 years with!! Great fun, great mate! Will miss every minute. Cheers

My heart fell when I read the news of Ken’s passing. He was so special, so one of a kind, and so thoroughly good. Strangely, I had just been thinking of him a few days previously, having not seen him in years. My memory was of telling him that he had the incredibly rare gift that Bill Clinton was said to have - that anyone he speaks with, feels like they are the only person in the world and that they have his full attention and interest. It was true. Ken would change the energy level in any room he walked into. All his colleagues would suddenly sit more upright and stand a little taller. There was no one like him while we were at Andersen together, nor since. He was a great listener, a great leader, a great friend. My deepest condolences to all his family.

A privilege and honour to have known Ken. A gentleman, an intellect, a comic, a truly great guy both on and off the tennis court. Brought ‘light’ to any room he entered and conversation he joined. Rest in peace Ken.

Ken was a genuine really full on nice guy. A pleasure to work for and with . Sincerest condolences to his family

Ken was an exceptionally generous and encouraging mentor. Few would have had his patience with the likes of me, as a precocious twenty something consultant, but he somehow always found time and energy for all, regardless of their level. I remember informing him of my decision to leave Accenture, after he had himself announced he would be leaving the firm. After also informing him that I would stay were he to stay on, he responded to me with a laconic, "I think I'll probably still be leaving". Thank you Ken for making the time.

I first met Ken when he joined our “boys’ walking weekend” in Chamonix in 2001. Many more such expeditions were to follow over the years – Pyrenees, Austria, Dolomites, Scotland, and numerous Mallorca!
All memorable and much enhanced by Ken’s company. So grateful…

Dear Ken,
I do not know what or where the afterlife is but I am sure that you are in the Priority Check-In Lane and reading your tributes with a wry smile. I want to add to those tributes as a series of ‘thanks’:
Thankyou for being the first to visit Christopher at home after he was born. Thankyou for bringing the Cuban cigars and red wine. I still have the cigars after nearly 25 years but I think the red wine lasted only 25 minutes. Thankyou for performing the miracle that stopped Christopher from 48 hours of non-stop crying. As has been wonderfully observed in another tribute, this was truly ‘mesmerizing.’
Thankyou for making work travel more tolerable. Whether it was our countless train journeys to and from London together or transatlantic flights musing over what the ‘resort casual’ dress code might be, you were a wonderful companion.
Thankyou for making the fun times more memorable. From the Stellenbosch winelands to your beloved Mallorca, a walk to Prestbury or our times in the Bull’s Head, I will treasure those occasions in your unique company.
Thankyou for always assuming it was your round and so graciously accepting when it wasn’t!
Thankyou for the incredible precision with which you always communicated how late you were running, only to revise your original estimate, at least twice.
Thankyou for creating and adhering to the ‘Ken rules’ when coming over to our house. Never use the doorbell, always take your shoes off and tie the dog up outside so as not to scare our cat.
Thankyou for agreeing with everything I ever said about Scottish football in general, and Celtic in particular.
Thankyou for the many years of cherished friendship with you and Grayson.
David Squire

Grayson. This is David. Friend. Mesa and l only just learnt from my friend Lucho of the sad loss of wonderful Ken. I am not on social media so didn't know. I am so sorry and sad, shocked and l send my condolences and love to you and the family. A beautiful gallery of photos and am sure you will support each other. A wonderful family. I was looking forward to seeing Ken and you when here and better weather. Ken was a friend and always laughs, fun and intelligent chats. A true genuine guy and l remember driving Ken back from our drinks to his car parked at festival park or too your amazing finca. Such good times, lunch drinks and memorable company with both of you. My memories will never fade. On my mind since the news of the loss of a gentleman and please be strong. You both enjoyed beautiful travels and created a beautiful family. If you need any help, advice then l have contacts. If in the future you decide to sell the finca then l represent a London finance currency company here so can save you money and at no cost. For the family or good causes. Grayson l am so sorry and my thoughts are with you and family. My mobile. Wats is 637 33 87 72 should you need. I raise my glass of vino for Ken tonight. Love David..

Kenny and Ronnie were my cousins. I’m 6 years older than Kenny. I loved Uncle Miles and Aunt Jody so very much! My favorite memories, I still can see Aunt Jody running around at grandma’s house with a spoon of food chasing the boys with the spoon trying to get them to eat one more bite of food!
Both Kenny and Ronnie loved my parents, Ray & Jerretta Mouser,
It was always fun to go visit them in Oklahoma. And they would come home to Wichita often staying at Grandma’s house. Rest in Peace with our Lord dear Kenny. Love,💕 Joycie

I first met Ken at Macclesfield Station in 1990 whilst waiting for my late night train back to London where I was a student. The train was cancelled so myself and the only other person on the platform (Ken) shared a taxi to Wilmslow. During the journey I bent his ear about applying to for graduate jobs in management consultancy. He listened (and humoured me) then gave me some great insight and pointers for my application. Only at the end of the journey did he tell me he was with Andersen Consulting. "oh wow, thats interesting" says me ... "what do you do there?". He, smiled, winked at me and said quietly "Partner" before boarding the train (at the front!!).

Ken commanded such a presence in Kingsley Hall but somehow seemed unflappable and found time for everyone.

Lovely man. My thoughts are with his family. Al

Ken...where do I start? Whenever I think of you I just think of laughter. Everyone was always so happy to be around you. You had this rare gravitational pull that made people want to be with you, to know you and just simply be in the moment. Something as I get older I realise is truly rare. I feel honoured to have known you and call you family. Our hearts are broken but also full of so much love for all the amazing memories made together. One that sticks out for me is building Tee-Pee's in Spain I think it was? Always the first one to get involved in any adventure and the leader of the pack. Fun was Ken's middle name and he never let us kids down! Rest easy Ken x

Nothing I write will really do Ken justice - he was a kind, patient and slightly bonkers boss then became a friend …. I feel privileged to have spent so many years working as his EA. He drove me mad mostly but I adored him. I just hope “them up there” can keep up with his energy and thirst ! Rest in peace Mr Lacey xx

To paraphrase my wife, Lynne, we may all still be here, but Ken outlived us all.

Whenever I was with you, Ken, I felt alive and in the moment, and that the possibilities in life were endless. You not only lived life to the fullest, you had a gift of bringing us all along on that ride. I love you so much, Ken, I cannot believe you are gone.

My wife and I got to know Ken and Grayson in Palma, where we live........and what can I say.......he was a wonderful person.......great company, with a witty sense of humour - speaking proudly about his family with much love and affection..........our thoughts are with Grayson, and your family........we will raise a toast to Ken.........a lovely man taken far too soon........xx

Ken was a legend of the Manchester Office in Accenture and not a bad footy player either. One of the first partners I knew and always had time for you. RIP Ken.

I will never forget Ken’s laugh…it was infectious. I have so many cherished memories with him, all the holidays spent together growing up, Ken doing dares on New Year’s Eve, coming for runs with us in Spain and we couldn’t keep up with him! He was one of a kind and I feel so lucky to have known him ❤️

I used to play squash with Ken regularly as a woman in my 20s when I first joined AESC and the memories of him hurtling himself around the court at great speed, uber-enthusiastic support for me (his opponent!), frequent ‘hi yah’ shouts while hitting the ball, still make me laugh now. A big guy, a huge character, so warm and fun. I would see him around Alderley and Wilmslow looking after his grandchildren and he couldn’t have looked happier and prouder. Ken would always chat to my young girls at the club and ask after them, I was so pleased to see him play tennis almost until the end. My husband knew Ken for years through squash and more recently as a member of AECC and saw him more only a few weeks ago at home. We are both so saddened by his passing far too soon and send our love to his family.

Ken was an inspirational leader and supporter of Accenture's Manchester community. He loved football and was a stalwart of the Kingsley Hall team. Here he is in 2007 at a charity football event where we were supporting a local young people's charity.

Such sad news as the world was better for having Ken in it! The personification of ‘world hard, play hard’ he was a force of nature - a friend and mentor to many of us shaping our careers and lives through Andersen’s / Accenture and beyond… Turning up for celebrations and making them all the more fun because he was there. He’ll be missed and remembered as a ‘complete legend’!