Kevin charles Kemp (25 May 1949 - 10 Jan 2015)

Christmas will not be the same this year, without you Kev, missing you very much.
Mum, Hannah, Zoe, Meg and I will be going to Greenwich Christmas morning to have a bit of Kev time.
xx

This is a message sent to me on the day of Kevs boat party from George Hinchliff.
I miss the Captain very much and there's a lot I'd have liked to say to him. I will think very loud where I am and his essential nature will, with luck receive my love from Wales as well as all the love gathered on the Thames. You could say to the assembled company if you wish; " I learned a lot from Captain Kemp, how to take in stray cats, how to sleep on a couch after laughing at " Gods gift" with Davina McCall, how to have integrity in dealing with other earthlings, how to get accidentally dropped things out of a fuel tank while at sea, and how to be a trustworthy and reliable man without falling into being a wuss. I'm still working on that one myself but I have a template to model myself on in my memory of a man I respected and loved.I propose a toast to the immortal memory of the one and only Kevin Kemp, seafarer, pal, businessman and all round good guy. " love you. Gx

Thanks for a great boat trip and party Kev. Happy Birthday mate!

I imagined you having a Viking funeral blazing on the lake in Vicky Park. Thanks for the canal walks, putting the world to rights and all the coffees.
Shame you never got the Ferrari.
I miss you.

I was so sad to learn of the death of Kevin Kemp, my good friend and former business partner. The tributes to Kevin posted by personal friends and former business associates give some idea of the affection and respect in which he was held.

He was a truly lovely and caring man and in addition, a considerable person much respected and admired in the business world of international ship broking.

I first met Kevin in the late 1960's when he arrived to join Shipping Agency Ltd as a Records Clerk/Trainee Broker. He showed great promise and I thought he would develop into a good broker. It was therefore rather disappointing when he came to tell me he would be leaving shortly to be a Road Manager for a pop group touring Europe.

After about 12 months he reappeared saying he wished to be a Ship Broker and could he have his job back!

From then on, Kevin never looked back and went from strength to strength in the shipping world. It would be seen that whilst most brokers take the route of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers for their training, clearly managing a pop group should not be ignored!

In 1972 I discussed the possibility of going it alone in our own business and was delighted that notwithstanding a 15 year age gap, he shared a wish to conduct business in an ethical manner. To achieve our aims we both strongly felt we needed to have full financial control with nobody from a non-broking background able to impose their policies on us. To complete a wish list we thought we would like an office/address in one of the main 'shipping streets' in London EC3/EC2 and to be fully paid up members of the Baltic Exchange. Whilst these aspirations were laudable from a business point of view, they could only be achieved at a substantial cost and we had virtually no money!

When DC Miles & Co. Ltd commenced trading in November 1972 it was from a tiny grotty office in 9/10 Fenchurch Street on a 15 month lease at the end of which the building was to be demolished!

Since this auspicious start, DCM & Co was able to punch above its weight in acting for leading major Greek ship owners and major companies and Kevin was at the centre of all these developments with his natural expertise and hard work. I was really grateful and fortunate to have Kevin as a business partner throughout the major part of my career.

He was a modest man from whom I learned a great deal not only in shipping and business terms, but in his friendly approach to all people and he will be sorely missed.

I regret that I was unable to attend his funeral due to health issues and would like to pass on condolences on behalf of Gwen and me to his family.

Derek Miles

I knew Keven when we were both young brokers in London. in the 70s and early 80's. He was always a very straight forward,knowledgeable guy and far more conservative than the rest of us wild young things.When I moved out to Singapore,I had the pleasure of selling,what in those days,was a fairly high capital ship,with him. He gave me the deal on a plate,as I did not even know the ship was for sale. His rationale was 'You are a friend, so I will support you!' A real gentlemen! Rest in Peace Kev

From: Richard Coleman and colleagues at Clarksons (Clarksons are the largest shipbrokers in the world and throughout his career Kevin was either competing or collaborating with them)

John – Phil


Thank you for your advice – It is indeed with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Kevin. We remember him with fondness - a very good and decent man.

We would be grateful if you would pass our condolences on to Kevin’s family

Regards

Staff at Clarksons sandp

From: Brian Cantwell. (Brian originally trained under Kevin in the late seventies / early eighties. Brian is now a successful shipbroker based in County Cork, Ireland.)

Phil,

Thank you for letting me know.

I am very sad to hear that Kevin has passed away. Please pass on my sincere condolences to his family.

I have very fond memories of Kevin and I feel privileged to have worked with and known him. He was an absolute gentleman and will be sadly missed.

Kind regards Brian

From: Mr. Richard Fulford-Smith (Richard is a hugely successful and World renowned shipbroker – Kevin had mostly competed with Richard for business but nevertheless Richard always respected Kevin)
Philip

Always a serious gent to deal with our and your Kevin, even if he had to deal with some horror clients- bless!

Very saddened by the news and equally frustrated by my inability to show respects by attending. I am afraid I am travelling this week but will surely arrange for an appropriate donation to Heart Foundation.

Please pass our condolences to the family.

Kind regards Richard FS behalf Affinity

Messages of condolence from fellow shipbrokers


From: Mr. Frank Cordell (Frank is a very senior shipbroker who had known and competed or collaborated with Kevin throughout his career)

Dear John,

Very sorry to receive your sad news. Kevin was one of the stalwarts of the London S and P fraternity. Very talented and successful.

I wish to attend the funeral but may be difficult as my wife was only recently discharged from hospital following an operation, but shall do my best.

In the meantime kindly convey my condolences to Kevin’s family.

Kindest regards Frank Cordell.

When Kevin's Uncle Ken married my mum and became my stepdad I guess Kevin became my step cousin (if there is such a thing). We weren't a huge part of each other's lives - Christmas cards, family gatherings and the cousin's get togethers were about it. I always admired his relaxed and easy approach to life and his dry sense of humour could always make me laugh. I knew Mum & Dad looked forward to their holiday each year at Kevin's flat in Mersea where they went with Janet and Dad's sisters. I didn't know of Kevin's other acts of kindness and generosity which I have only just been hearing of. Although I am shocked and sad by Kevin's death I know I am not suffering the deep sorrow of many others who were so much more a part of his life - and yet in some way I envy them. Kevin was obviously a very lovely man and I wish I had known him a little better.

A pleasure to be around. Just a lovely lovely person who touched my life.

What can I say, except Kevin was one of the finest people I have known. I shall never forget his generosity. An example which will always be in my mind, is when on learning of a last wish of my Dad to stay at the seaside, he immediately got up from his table in Frocks, went home and returned with the keys to his flat on Mersea Island.......we shall miss you mate, love Patrick and Glenys x

We were neighbours with Kevin for 15 years or there about, two doors along.The photographs reminds us of our loss and unbelievably so. My image of him is bounding down his front steps out shopping or in the summer sitting on the steps early morning enjoying the sun. Sardonic always fun and just a lovely guy. We miss him and mourn his absence, Audrey and Stuart

Treas. Our wonderful Treas.

Not even sure where to start. I look at your face and it has always given me a sense of warmth, familiarity, kindness and strength. I feel safe. Because to be with family is to be safe and that's exactly what you always were to all of us. You provided so many memories - driving as a passenger in your old Saab (when it was nearly new - so a very tender age for me) and asking you, no, telling you to go 100mph which of course you did and I thought I was the fastest person alive, taking me to see the Harlem Gospel Choir in London, holding Rufus for the first time when he was a matter of weeks old while I nipped out for a much deserved cigarette (don't tell Scott), giving me the Bakerlite phone I used to play with at your house when I was a child, giving me my very first electric Uke which I gig with at every gig - just to name a few. Your very individual and controversial way of communicating with cabbies in London, your outrageously loud laugh, your ability to speak so softly, calmly and without caution, your wonderfully strange gifts (never wrapped - which I loved - just arrive at my house with an African flute or a wooden Buddha - so gorgeously random), your constant humming (I never thought I would say this but I will actually miss your constant humming), your dedication and loyalty to my Dad when he went through the worst thing that could possibly happen to him and all of us. Your love and loyalty will never ever be forgotten and neither will you. We say goodbye to you tomorrow and that's one of the hardest things I think we will all have to do. How do you say goodbye to you? I don't know.
Sleep well Treas x
Love you so very much x

p.s. You're still my friend - don't worry :) x
p.p.s if you see Mum up there - you guys are going to have the BEST time x

Treas x

Really going to miss you and your smiling face Kevin .. we'll continue to support The Gunners for you .. Rest in peace old friend .. Tinks, Johnny and Hollie ❤️

Keggo, you were such an important part of my childhood, my adulthood and my family.
I will miss you forever.
Lollo
x

Kevin... A wonderful caring and truely unique man. So many memories growing up with you as our 'Uncle Kegin'. Always the adult who could speak to us on our level; never condescending, never judging, only supportive and understanding. You always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to be brave. When others were worried about us moving abroad (twice) you understood and made it feel ok. We have the lucky pig you gave us with the message "home is where happy memories grow" and I will always think of you and your positive messages. We loved having you as part of our extended family and can't quite believe you are not going to be there anymore. Rest in peace Kev xxx

Kevin ! Kevin! Oh so sad! We met you skiing with your bunch of loony friends that we still love today. Oh those blue ski pants!! We're gonna miss you in our memories mate and hope to meet up again in the hereafter. Thanks again for an amazing 50th birthday present - and for being there! Was that really 20 years ago? Come on Arsenal! At least you saw them win 'another' trophy after the 10 year drought! And now you have club class tickets now at the Emirates. Rest in peace old friend.

Kevin ! Kevin! Oh so sad! We met you skiing with your bunch of loony friends that we still love today. Oh those blue ski pants!! We're gonna miss you in our memories mate and hope to meet up again in the hereafter. Thanks again for an amazing 50th birthday present - and for being there! Was that really 20 years ago? Come on Arsenal! At least you saw them win 'another' trophy after the 10 year drought! And now you have club class tickets now at the Emirates. Rest in peace old friend.

Kevin ! Kevin! Oh so sad! We met you skiing with your bunch of loony friends that we still love today. Oh those blue ski pants!! We're gonna miss you in our memories mate and hope to meet up again in the hereafter. Thanks again for an amazing 50th birthday present - and for being there! Was that really 20 years ago? Come on Arsenal! At least you saw them win 'another' trophy after the 10 year drought! And now you have club class tickets now at the Emirates. Rest in peace old friend.

Kevin, what a wonderful man! He just made me smile :-) And feel good. I wouldn't say he was always at peace, but he was very peaceful and bought warmth and calm to others. He didn't mind about the superficial; he preferred to go with the flow, to joke and help others to smile too. He added a great balance to our 'traditional' family groups by being so refreshingly untraditional at times.
I don't know why he didn't sleep much, but I saw he didn't when he gave me a place to stay when i was between homes. Maybe sometimes being different is difficult - but he is a hero to me for all of his differences. I think we all benefited as he did his dreaming by day.
He was sensitive and understanding. He really could say the right thing at the right time. Nothing taken too seriously and always spoken from the heart. With texts and cards he always made an effort to be there.
He was always helpful. Like when i organised a charity fundraising event he realised that he could make it 10 times better by taking the microphone and being himself; I was so greatful but maybe I didn't tell him enough. A father figure in many ways, to teach you a different set of skills. He tied my tie on my wedding day and humming away he was calm in his own way; he was a big part in helping make it the best day of my life. I will have that memory to cherish, and so many others. Kevin, you wonderful man; Thank you