Bill Kenwright CBE Honored With Touching Cathedral Service
Liverpool Cathedral hosted a gathering on Monday to celebrate the remarkable life of Everton’s late Chairman, Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away at the age of 78 in October. A multitude of stars from football and theatre paid their respects to the Club’s longest-serving Chairman, emphasizing his significant contribution to both fields. Attendees included Everton’s current players, managers Sean Dyche and Brian Sorensen, and former players such as Tim Cahill, Duncan Ferguson, and Phil Jagielka. The event also saw the presence of Liverpool FC legends, underlining Bill Kenwright’s widespread respect in the city.
Liverpool Cathedral’s ceremony commenced with a moving rendition of Z-Cars played on the renowned organ. Readings were delivered by prominent figures, including Seamus Coleman, Everton Giant Reid, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and Margaret Aspinall. The event featured musical performances by Mel C, Isaac Lancel, Marti Pellow, and the Everton Spirit Choir. Jenny Seagrove, Bill Kenwright’s life partner, delivered a touching tribute, followed by a poem read by his daughter Lucy Kenwright. Seamus Coleman expressed deep sadness at the Chairman’s passing, highlighting Bill’s extraordinary passion, support, and inspirational impact on Everton Football Club.
Jenny Seagrove emotionally declared, “He wasn’t my Bill – he was our Bill,” emphasizing Bill Kenwright’s deep love for family, friends, and Everton Football Club. She reflected on his profound definition of love and his passion for the royal blue, the Toffees. The 75-minute service concluded with audio from one of Bill’s past interviews, bidding a heartfelt, “Good night and God bless.” Former midfielder Peter Reid paid tribute to Bill’s journey “from the Boys’ Pen at Goodison Park to the Boardroom at Everton” and expressed a desire to win a trophy in his honor. The event closed with an uplifting rendition of Spirit of the Blues from the Cathedral’s organ.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, praised Bill Kenwright’s incredible care for people, highlighting his selfless dedication to others’ success. Burnham commended Bill’s finest hour in front of the Kop on the Hillsborough disaster’s 25th anniversary, applauding his truth and humanity. Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of Liverpool Football Club and the Hillsborough families. She remembered Bill as loyal, loving, and generous, emphasizing his iconic and genuine speech. Aspinall believes Bill is watching over Everton’s success and expressed profound gratitude for his generosity to the Hillsborough families.
Bill Kenwright’s journey began on October 23, 1989, when he joined the board. In 1999, amidst a club crisis, his True Blue Holdings consortium took charge, completing paperwork on Boxing Day, celebrated with a 5-0 victory over Sunderland. Initially vice-chairman, he assumed the chairman role in June 2004. Over 19 years, Bill adeptly navigated the club through upheavals, driving initiatives like a new stadium, a training camp switch, and a highly successful community scheme, securing 12 top-eight finishes.
