Ken Barnsley RIP
Published: ASIA
WORLD: Fairlight has announced that 25-year industry veteran Ken Barnsley lost his fight with cancer on April 26th. At the time of his passing Mr Barnsley was European operations director for the Sydney, Australia-based manufacturer.
A familiar and popular figure within the global audio industry, Mr Barnsley pursued a long and distinguished career within professional audio, leading the sales and marketing efforts of some of the biggest companies in the music, broadcast, film and postproduction markets. Among them were AMS-Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid UK and Amek. He joined Fairlight in 2008 after eight years as head of sales and marketing for Merging Technologies.
In his private life, Mr Barnsley also discovered a passion for horses, taking part in many equestrian events both as a participant and as an organiser. He acted as vice chair of the Lusitano Breed Society of Great Britain until ill-health forced him to retire earlier this year.
Linking his career and his hobby, Mr Barnsley was committed to promoting Freestyle Dressage to Music and worked with riders at all levels to produce music and soundtracks for freestyle tests. Ken’s music helped Britain achieve several medals (including a gold) at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and the 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games. It is indicative of his devotion that he delayed his chemotherapy in 2010 in order to speak at the British Dressage Judges Convention.
In reaction to the news, Tino Fibek, general manager of Fairlight, paid tribute to his colleague: ‘Ken has always been a dedicated employee and friend. He worked right up until his hospitalisation a month ago, demonstrating his commitment and passion for the industry. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him.’
Mr Barnsley’s funeral will take place on Friday May 6th in Manchester, England. He leaves behind his partner of 16 years, Laura Duncalf, and a daughter, Diane, who is expecting his first grandchildren. Before his passing, he requested that anyone who wished to make a gesture should donate to The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust, a charity that he and his partner have been involved with for some time. The contact details for the charity can be found below.