posted on 19 Apr 2026
An image of Ken that I photographed at the Cronulla Pre-WWII Vintage Car & Bike Show 2018.
When a small notification popped up in the top right-hand corner of my computer screen, informing me that an email with the subject line ‘Kenneth George Warburton 30/08/1947 - 29/03/2026’ had arrived, I felt a sense of unease—as if something was odd—and clicked on it.
When the email opened, and I realised what had happened, I was left completely dumbfounded, as if I’d been suddenly struck on the head with something.
But immediately afterwards, I shouted to my husband, ‘Look at this!! What a thing! What a thing!’
But immediately afterwards, I shouted to my husband, ‘Look at this!! What a thing! What a thing!’
After the initial shock had passed, I found myself in tears as I thought of the grief felt by all those whom Nathaniel and Ken had loved, and I was filled with a desire to embrace all of them from behind and comfort them.
Then I started thinking about what I could do for his son, Nathaniel, and began selecting photos of Ken from the big pile of my digital pics.
I thought Nathaniel might enjoy seeing some of those pics...
I thought Nathaniel might enjoy seeing some of those pics...
After finding them, I developed them into a format that was easy to use and shared them with him via a folder on a storage site.
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On this site, I talked about Ken's Car Show and about him in a few past blog posts.
If you were a reader of those posts, you might likely remember that this gentleman is the founder of the annual event known as The Sylvanvale Pre-WWII Car Show, and his beautiful story about it.
If you weren’t aware of this but are interested, please do click the link below to find out more about him.
If you weren’t aware of this but are interested, please do click the link below to find out more about him.
On 9 April, I was able to attend a livestream entitled ‘Celebrating the life of Kenneth George Warburton’, where I had the opportunity to hear everyone’s stories and view many cherished photographs.
In recent years, due to my chemical sensitivity—particularly to fragrances—it has become increasingly difficult for me to use public transport, so I have been trying to avoid it.
As the venue was not within walking distance, I was very grateful that a live stream was provided.
As the venue was not within walking distance, I was very grateful that a live stream was provided.
All the speakers’ stories, along with Nathaniel’s, were truly heart-warming. I was delighted to see so many photos of Ken from his childhood.
I was glad to learn how wonderful Ken’s life had been, and I was able to spend the warmest time filled with both tears and laughter alongside those who really loved him.
I was glad to learn how wonderful Ken’s life had been, and I was able to spend the warmest time filled with both tears and laughter alongside those who really loved him.
I thought it was typical of Ken that the title wasn’t ‘The funeral’.
Since he will never fade away or die in our hearts, I think it’s exactly the right title.
Since he will never fade away or die in our hearts, I think it’s exactly the right title.
I'm reposting here the message I left in the guestbook, as I don't think I could write a comment that conveys my memories, feelings, and gratitude to Ken in any shorter or different way.
Usual funny jokes and giggles, my pranks that surprised you successfully, deep conversations about God and life on your Gem 2 boat, and I loved the short car trip to our street with your vintage car after your amazing car show...the memories of you are eternal treasures until today and in the rest of my life.
They are always super-encouraging and super-warm-hearted, just like you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ken Warbo Jr!
And now, I embrace the hearts of Nathaniel and the beloved ones of Ken.
They are always super-encouraging and super-warm-hearted, just like you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ken Warbo Jr!
And now, I embrace the hearts of Nathaniel and the beloved ones of Ken.
Mari aka mari m a former neighbor of Ken's house
On his boat. Photographed by me, mari m
On his boat. The sunset was awesome. Photographed by me, mari m
Photo of Ken, me, and his maroon coloured car at his garage. (Please let me know this car's nickname, if you know it) Photographed by my husband.
Photographed by me at his car show in 2017
Photographed by me at his car show in 2017
Smiling Ken, his friends, and his restored wooden truck. Ken had to drive many cars back on that day. So it seemed his friend was going to drive this truck to help Ken. Photographed by me at his car show in 2018
Photographed by me at his car show in 2015
Photographed by me at his car show in 2017. Ken said he didn't prefer this edition. But my husband said it's nice. So I placed this one here. And I tried to make a new edition after the shocking news. And the next one is the one. I hope you would like one of them.
Photographed by me at his car show in 2017. And this is a revised edition in 2016. I tried to correct the distortion of the buildings in the background, but make the brightness as close to the original shot as possible, and make it look more natural. I hope Ken likes this revised edition.
Photographed by me at his car show in 2022
Photographed by me at his car show in 2017
Lately, I have come to be mindful that the time will come for me to leave this world.
I live doing my best until the day comes.
Until the day comes when I can look back and say, ‘I lived my life to the fullest in my own way.’
I live doing my best until the day comes.
Until the day comes when I can look back and say, ‘I lived my life to the fullest in my own way.’
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Ken, thank you so much for giving me the eternal treasures of countless memories
that bring me smiles and strength.
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Thank you so much for reading this blog post.
I hope you have a nice time on this website.
And I wish you a good day.🍀
I hope you have a nice time on this website.
And I wish you a good day.🍀
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I have posted photos taken at the past Sylvanvale Pre WWII Car Shows on this my website.
You can use these buttons to check them.
