Richmond has appointed prominent, passionate, life-long Tigers supporter Ken Grenda as a patron of the Club.
He becomes just Richmond’s sixth patron, joining former Club presidents Harry Dyke (who served as patron in 1958-59) and Maurie Fleming (1964-80), renowned property steward Charlie Callander (1974-86), along with great Tiger benefactors Sir John Knott (1988-96) and David Mandie (1996-2011).
It’s a fitting tribute for Ken, who has provided his beloved Tigers with major backing throughout the past quarter of a century.
He was a foundation member of Richmond’s ‘Jack’s Club’ coterie group and also is a player sponsor.
Ken Grenda’s generosity is legendary.
When he sold his highly-successful bus company Grenda Transit Management in 2011, he paid out $15 million in bonuses to staff members.
And, for the past few years at Christmas time, each Richmond Football Club employee receives a monetary gift from Ken and his wife.
Ken’s love affair with the Tigers started when he was a young boy living in Oakleigh, which was part of the Club’s metropolitan recruiting zone at the time.
A “mad-keen” Richmond-supporting aunty took him and one of his brothers to Punt Road to watch Jack Dyer and co. strut their stuff.
Ken was instantly hooked . . .
“Standing on the fence, sometimes on bottles and cans . . . I loved it.
“Crowds used to be as passionate as they still are, and you do get involved. We got involved at a pretty early age.”
That intense Yellow and Black involvement has increased as the years have gone on, resulting in Ken, at age 83, now having patron status bestowed upon him at Tigerland.
“The board is delighted to name Ken Grenada as patron of the Club,” said Richmond president Peggy O’Neal.
“Ken not only embodies Richmond’s values, but also has provided outstanding support and service to the Club for many years.
“He honours us in accepting this appointment.”
Ken, who has been the Tigers’ No. 1 male ticket-holder since 2013, is elated with the patron accolade, but was typically humble with his response . . .
“I don’t know quite whether I justify that,” he said.
“I’ve loved being the No. 1 ticket-holder . . . the Club has provided me with all sorts of concessions,” he said.
“I’m getting older and my wife’s older still. They’ve given me a car park (pass) under the ground (MCG). We can hop out of the car, hop in a lift, go into a seat, or a have a meal. And that’s fantastic.
“But then, to get to the next stage, where I’m told that they would like me to be the patron – and there’s only been five in the Club ever – that’s a hell of an honour.”
