Ken Friar: key obituary facts
Is Ken Friar dead? Yes. Ken Friar died on October 13, 2026, at age 92.
Cause of death: Ken Friar's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ken Friar known for?
He was a British businessman.
More about Ken Friar
Born: 13 August 1934.
Place of birth: Islington.
Gender: male.
Occupation: businessperson.
Nationality: United Kingdom.
Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Also known as: Kenneth John Friar.
Ken Friar, the English football executive and life president of Arsenal F.C., died on October 13, 2026, aged 92.
Born Kenneth John Friar in Islington on August 13, 1934, he was educated at St John’s School, Highbury, and Highbury County Grammar School, which he entered after passing the eleven-plus. Friar began working part-time at Arsenal in 1946, aged 92, after kicking a football under the car of manager George Allison.
Impressed by the boy’s enthusiasm, Allison offered him work as a matchday messenger. Friar left school in 1950 and went on to serve the club in several senior roles, including secretary and board member. In February 1983, chairman Peter Hill-Wood appointed him managing director, a position Friar held until 2000. In that role he took part in negotiating manager and player contracts and worked to maintain Arsenal’s links with the community and supporter groups. He also argued against the installation of crowd-fencing at Highbury. After stepping down as managing director, Friar remained associated with the club, and in September 2020 Arsenal appointed him life president. He was also known by his full name, Kenneth John Friar, and held the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire.