The Sharks mourn the passing and offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ken Brown, a popular figure amongst the Sharks coaching staff and playing group during a decade long stint at the Cronulla Club during the 1980’s and ‘90’s.
Brown, who worked as a trainer under and alongside coaches such as Jack Gibson, Alan Fitzgibbon, Arthur Beetson and John Lang, passed away suddenly, aged 57, at his Shire home earlier this week.
A regular at Great White Shark’s reunions and gatherings of former players and officials, Brown became recognised for his fondness for the Sharks, as well as his love for the Club’s traditional rivals the Manly Sea Eagles, in what many of his friends continually reminded him was a bizarre mix.
A flood of messages of condolences were sent to Brown’s family through the Great White’s Facebook page, from many former Sharks players including Robbie Kearns, Mat and Don Rogers, Darren Higgins, Ben Sammut and Chris Quinn.
Brown also shared an interest in Sharks and rugby league history and memorabilia and was a regular visitor to the Kirrawee home of Sharks historian Ash Taylor.
“Ken had endless Sharks stories, the majority of which he didn’t mind sharing and I certainly didn’t mind hearing,” Taylor said. “His smile was so broad when he recalled his time as head trainer through the late 80’s, which really was a golden period for the club.”
The Sharks will pay tribute at their game against the Titans later tonight, recognising Brown on the big screen, with the on-field trainers to wear black arm bands.
Brown is survived by sons Jared and Hayden, with a funeral to celebrate his life to be held at Wanda Surf Club on Friday, August 18, starting at 10am.
