Ken Hogg’s death on 13th February came following a fairly short illness and, although his prognosis had not been good, we all hoped for and dearly wished for a miracle. He had undergone major abdominal surgery some eight weeks ago but passed away as a result of heart failure.
Born 75 years ago in Edinburgh, Ken was fiercely proud of his National heritage and despite living for so many years in his adopted homeland of South Africa, he never really lost his Scottish accent.
Educated at the prestigious George Watson’s College in Edinburgh Ken left school to go straight into Naval service and did his apprenticeship in his chosen profession on HMS Conway in Wales, learning most of his skills in the fairly unpredictable Menai Straits.
He met his lovely wife to be, Edith, whilst she was working as a nurse in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and they married in 1961. Two years later Ken accepted a job with the South African Harbour Service and he & Edith eventually settled in the lovely city of Durban. Ken worked as a pilot there in what is one of the world’s most beautiful countries and was promoted through the ranks, ending up as Deputy Port Captain at this hugely important seaport. Ken and Edith had two daughters, Stephanie who tragically died three years ago as a result of pancreatic cancer, and the delightful Rhonaid who lives with her husband and sons in the close by area of Durban.
Amongst his many tales of seafaring adventures, he was proudest of being chosen to be the pilot who brought the QE2 into berth in Durban on her maiden voyage to South Africa.
In the world of show dogs, Ken & Edith owned Champions in three breeds – Westies, Whippets & latterly their beloved Labradors.
A brilliant administrator Ken was Vice Chairman of the Kennel Union of South Africa, Chairman of the Highway Kennel Club for many, many years and there are numerous British judges who have tasted the pleasures of South African living, the lifestyle, the dog shows and the outstandingly beautiful scenery – all because Ken & Edith felt that these judges could contribute hugely to the dog scene in their adopted homeland. To visit there was always a joy and Ken was the “Mine Host Extra-ordinaire”.
Edith and Ken were both FCI all breeds judges and had judged in so many countries throughout the world. Ken was hugely proud that amongst other UK appointments he had judged Rhodesian Ridgebacks at Crufts (with a HUGE entry), the Hound Group at Manchester and his last appointment here was to judge Best In Show at East of England Ch show last July. I’ve seldom heard a greater cheer from the cognoscenti who stay watch BIS at any of our shows, than that which greeted Ken’s choice of the outstanding Flatcoat Ch. Vbos the Kentuckian which was winning his first such award after the most illustrious show career. It almost brought the house down.
One wonders if it was fate or premonition or whatever, but after judging at Manchester last year, Bob & Norma Gregory took Ken & Edith back to the Conway area to rekindle fond memories of his life as a young man on the threshold of a great career.
Then after judging at Peterborough, he wanted to spend a few days back in his hometown of Edinburgh where I was able to take him, Edith & their lovely daughter Rhonaid, back to see the family home where Kenneth lived in his childhood. We also visited places which were special to Ken & his late father and did the scenic mini tour of some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Scotland. That made him very happy.
In summary, Ken Hogg was one of the world’s true gentlemen. Blessed with a sense of humour he was loved and admired by all who were fortunate to meet & know him. They found a bright disarmingly charming, empathetic and considerate man who was self effacing, generous to a fault and in whose company it was a joy and honour to be.
His untimely passing has created another void in our midst which cannot be filled. He was a rare diamond of a man and we count ourselves lucky and privileged to have been considered amongst his friends.
Bob & Norma Gregory
& Albert Wight
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