Tributes paid to 'wonderful' vice chairman of Wolverhampton charity
Tributes have been paid to the vice chairman of a charity in Wolverhampton who died from his underlying health conditions.
Kenneth Yates, who helped to develop the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group (WCASG) in September 1985, passed away on April 27.
The 88-year-old had been instrumental in helping the group achieve charitable status and had given "100 per cent" in supporting them, said his family.
Mr Yates had visited cardiology wards at the Heart and Lunge Centre at New Cross – and D14 before that – for more than 30 years, helping to provide a cup of tea to patients and supporting staff - as well as being an ear for patients.
He was “instrumental” in setting up the after-care support group and wanted “no thanks and no recognition” for his role - he just wanted to help people.
A statement from his family added: “Both from the patients he knew, staff of all levels from the Heart and Lung Centre, we as a family would like to thank all for their support and kindness through this difficult time. “
The 88-year-old, from Bushbury, also provided stockings at Christmas with gifts inside to help uplift people’s spirits – and was known by others as "grandad".
WCASG president Gill Fenner said: “He was a wonderful man and he needed an accolade for all the work he did – even more than the OBE I have.
“There is no award that is high enough to give Kenneth Yates, I wish there was, he deserved it. Heaven has won another fantastic, exceptional man."
Mrs Fenner said Mr Yates' health had been deteriorating over the last year and described him as an "exceptional man".
She said: "Earlier in the year, I picked him up to go to a WCASG committee meeting and witnessed his increasing breathlessness first hand.
"True to form, he would not let me take him home - he still wanted to attend the meeting.
“Ken has been a dedicated ambassador for cardiac rehab and a much loved friend to everyone."
