I met Don Hennesy a number of times, but I really met him in Jacksonville, Illinois at Kenny Northon’s 65th birthday party. This was one of the sweetest events I’ve ever had the privilege to attend. It was a Norman Rockwell painting with some prettry audacious subjects. In addition to the locals, and Kenny himself, there were the two ‘Ernies…’ Tyrell and Shaver; still standouts; gentle giants with charm enough to make the trip from New York more than worthwhile. What was apparent at the time, and still is, was the devotion Dr. Don Hennessey had for the birthday boy, Ken Norton. It was a very lovely karma to be around, expecially given all the stories we hear about what happens to boxers when they leave their golden days behind. So, here’s a little bit about the man who is help guide Champion Ken Norton through this part of his journey, and a friendship that spans decades.
Jill: Please tell me how you met Ken Norton?
Don: My father went to school with Ken. The first time I actually remember meeting Ken Norton was the early 70’s at his mothers house, before Ken’s first fight with Muhammad Ali.
Jill: How has knowing him affected your life?
Don: Knowing Ken Norton has affected my life in the most positive ways. Ken is the most humble person I have ever met. Ken Norton has had many successes in his life. Former WBC World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Actor in 21 films, 2 time author, Hall of fame member, ect, but he never forgot who he was or where he came from. Ken has learned to overcome and adapt to all obstacles that have reared their ugly heads in his life, and has always focused on the good, and thought positive throughout the process. Although this is sometimes hard for me, I try to follow in his foot steps and think positive and look at the good in everything.
Jill: What do you think his most inspiring quality is?
Don: His stubbornness, his attitude, his ability to keep pushing forward, and his idea that if you THINK you can, YOU CAN!!
Jill: What is your background?
Don: I have worked in business management my entire life.
Jill: Tell us a little about your life.
Don: I live in Jacksonville Illinois. Home of Big Ken Norton (Ken was born and raised here) I live with my partner of 12 years. For the past year we have been battling Base of the Tongue cancer which recently spread to the lungs. We have a puppy (lhasa Apso) name Jake.
Jill: There are other books about Kenny. Why is this one special?
Don: Our new book “BELIEVE” Journey From Jacksonville, was released on October 27, 2009.
“BELIEVE”..Is an inspirational story of survival……….
How Ken went from being on top of the world, to near death’s door. It focuses on overcoming, and adapting to life’s obstacles , not being able to walk and just barely able to talk. Ken Norton is an amazing man who wouldn’t let life’s worse moments get him down. With a strong mind, the love of god, family and friends Ken has survived and is quite the inspiration. “BELIEVE” Journey From Jacksonville
Jill: Is there any special story or moment you’d like to share?
Don:. On the way back from the UK in November 2009, we were seated in first class right next to each other and Ken Looked at me, smiled and said “Don, who would of thought two boys from Jacksonville Illinois.”
Ken and I have a business relationship, but we have a friendship that goes above and beyond any business relationship. Ken is like a second father to me.
March 2004, my father was diagnosed with cancer. By August 2004, my father was in hospice in Springfield Illinois, My dad kept saying he wanted to see his friend, dad was so very sick. I called Ken and Ken said lets go, so we got to Springfield, walked in dads room, he seen Ken, the room took on a glow of its own. That was the first time I had seen my dad smile in months. I left the room, when I came back, they were setting there talking as they had years ago, and dad was smiling. I would never see that smile again. For that unconditional love the champ showed my dad, I will be forever grateful. Ken made my dad so happy!! My dad passed 2 weeks later on September 16, 2004. There will never be another Ken Norton. That day in 2004, touched a part of my heart that I will never ever forget. The love, friendship, and compassion Ken showed my dad came from his heart, I seen the real Ken Norton. Not the Champ, Superstar, Black Hercules, Jaw Breaker, ect. But Ken Norton the man.
Jill: How can people obtain a copy?
Don: WWW.KENNORTON.COM
And the Next Birthday Bash:
Friday, July 23, 2010, 6:30pm
Hamilton’s, 110 N. East
Jacksonville Illinois, 62650
On July 23, 2010, we will hold the Ken Norton “KNOCKOUT” Birthday Bash celebrating Ken’s 67th Birthday, in Ken’s hometown, Jacksonville, Illinois.
Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc. www.pathwayservices.org with be recipient of funds raised, after expenses. Pathway provides services for persons with Developmental Disabilities.
We will be raising money through ticket sales, auction, ect.
We have many special guests attending this year. (See Biographies page)
Ken Norton had three remarkable fights with Muhammad Ali. The First was March 31, 1973. Ken won the NABF title.
Ken has appeared in 21 films, the latest being “FACING ALI”.
If you have any question please contact……….
Donald Hennessey Jr.
Manager
Ken Norton Enterprises
kne1978@aol.com
217.602.0219 Direct Line
217.320.5647 Mobile
888.796.3704 Fax
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