THE Black Country snooker scene has been shocked with the tragic news of the sudden death of Ken Garlick.

A popular player and coach, Ken passed away on Tuesday, October 11, aged 78, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Ken, who was proud of his Yorkshire roots, played snooker for a number of teams including Kingswinford Conservative Club, Kingswinford Snooker Centre and Stourbridge Institute.

Stourbridge and District Snooker League spokesman, Tony Kidd, said: “Ken was still a very active member at the institute where he will be sadly missed, but much remembered with great fondness.

“Although he was a very useful player, Ken will also be remembered for his considerable coaching skills which were of benefit to many local players, particularly so more than 30 years ago at Dudley Snooker Club, and for his help and guidance to other aspiring and established coaches.”

Ken’s funeral will take place at Gornal Crematorium at 11.40am on Wednesday, October 26, and although there will be no wake, donations may be made at the crematorium on behalf of the charity Help for Heroes.