Tribute to Keith Hall whose funeral is on December 17

* Keith Hall who died on November 25, aged 89.

The family of Keith Edwin Hall say they would like to thank the community for their kind messages of condolence and much appreciated support following the loss of their much-loved father, and beloved husband of their mother, Jean.

An obituary report submitted by the family says:

"Keith moved to Llangollen in 1984 with his wife, Jean, and family, to take up the post of Manager at the former National Westminster Bank in Castle Street, and never looked back. 

"This came after a career that saw several moves from the North-East downwards towards the Midlands and onto Wrexham. 

"The beautiful valley of Llangollen became the place where Keith and Jean lovingly came to call ‘home’ after decades of upheaval. With beautiful countryside to walk, hills to climb and an array of friendly clubs and societies to attend, life here in the friendly and welcoming community was lively, interesting and engaging … and too precious to leave.

"‘Leave Llangollen? You’ve got to be joking!’ was Keith’s response to proposals from the bank’s Head Office for him to relocate to South Wales. Instead, Keith opted for an early and very active retirement. He worked tirelessly on a 25-year landscaping project, building huge, terraced dry stone walls, a pond, waterfall, wildflower areas and a garage, as well as renovating the house.

"At the same time, Keith and Jean were immersed in the community into which they had been so warmly welcomed, and into voluntary work and fundraising for the locality and beyond. The cornerstone and starting point of this were the combined clubs of Rotary and Inner Wheel. Over the decades, both Keith and Jean took on roles as President and Vice President (for Rotary and Inner Wheel respectively), also as Treasurer (Keith) and Secretary (Jean). Both were noted for their strong work ethic and commitment.

"In 1990, after two years of preparation, Keith led theY Bont Newydd (The Newbridge) charity walk project, under the Rotary Presidency and Vice-presidency of Bob Hicks and Gethin Davies, with Mike Law overseeing publicity. Recorded in the press at the time, as being one of the most successful fund-raising events to be held in North Wales, the initial target had been to raise £10,000 for the local community and charities. 

"However, with over 20,000 (£1) tickets sold, and with additional fundraising, this ‘once-in-a -lifetime’ opportunity to walk (rather than drive) over the newly opened bridge raised £35,000.It was reportedly run by Keith ‘like a military operation and conducted with the utmost skill and efficiency.’

"Regular events in which Keith played a leading role included the annual ‘Horse Race’ fund-raising evenings at the Town Hall (using hired films of horse races); and the Garden Fete at Plas Newydd (Rotary and Inner Wheel) for which Keith always took on the role as Treasurer, alongside Barbara Parry-Jones. 

"Then there were pensioner trips to Llandudno to be organised, and the Rotary-initiated ‘Dial-a-Ride’ taxi service run by its members for the community, which Keith very much enjoyed being a part of. Everything was done in the best of spirits and with much camaraderie.

"The Rotary motto of ‘Service before self’ was one that Keith and his volunteering friends lived by and the community benefitted much from it. A favourite of Keith and Jean’s was when local Rotarians hosted mature overseas students from Manchester University for one weekend a year as a cultural exchange, sharing visits to local landmarks such as Chirk Castle and enjoying an evening of song and performance. Like many others in the town, Jean and Keith loved to welcome different students each year to their home.

"A highlight in the annual calendar for Keith was preparing for the twice-yearly Twenty Club plays, where he was Treasurer and set builder, while Jean worked on props, prompting and publicity over the years.

Left to right: Llangollen Twenty Club members Malcolm Potter, Keith Hall, Dennis Jones, Chrissie Ashworth, Trevor Davies and Delwyn Roberts.

"As Chair, Sian Glynne-Jones, said: 'Keith, Delwyn and the team would build the set. They loved a challenge and especially a set that involved any intricate items such as stairs, moving rats, pop-up gravestones, shadow puppets or the fog machine (which would always produce fog  - prematurely - as it warmed up before it was needed. A Director once said that she loved how if she asked for a change … it was just done, never had to ask twice.

"'The camaraderie was second to none in their group. They all worked well together and had fun doing so, despite all the hard work. They were a great bunch of people to work with.'

"Possibly the greatest distractions to Keith’s ongoing garden projects, however, was an invitation from the International Eisteddfod Chairman, Gethin Davies, to join the team:

"As Gethin said: 'Keith was persuaded to take on the role of the Competitors’ Liaison Officer for one year and enjoyed it so much that he held the post for 13 years. He carried out this sensitive work brilliantly and gave a great service to all competitors.'

"The long but rewarding days in communication with overseas competitors and the UK Home Office to arrange visas for individuals, choirs and dance groups were initially pre-internet and email. With the arrival of the internet, Keith was quick to embrace and utilise the new technology.  Like everything he did in life, Keith gave the role his all, enjoying the opportunity to work with a team, update systems, and meet folk from all walks of life and different parts of the world. With many of the competitors returning year after year, seeing their return was something Keith would very much look forward to.

"Away from volunteering, Keith was a keen hiker – something he took up in his youth as a scout in the local Yorkshire Dales, Moors and far beyond. In 2012, aged 77, Keith and his similarly aged friend, Stan Roberts, competed in the first Llangollen Round. Over the two days, Keith and Stan completed the arduous 33-mile hike that took in every summit around the Vale of Llangollen – crossing the line together in16 hours. 

"This challenging hike was devised and established by the Llangollen Cancer Research team, under the leadership of Sandra Woodall (Chair) and Keith’s wife, Jean (Secretary). It went on to become a regular fund-raising event, taking place every three years, being based around a book about the walk written by local author, Judy Smith. To date the walk has raised over £250,000 for Cancer Research.

"Outside of their community work and keeping up with friends and family, Keith and Jean loved to travel and were fortunate to travel around Europe, the far East, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where their son, Jonathan and family live.

"Keith will be much missed by his friends, three children and partners, and six grandchildren who survive him – and especially by his beloved wife, Jean, to whom he was devoted beyond measure."

Keith Edwin Hall, former Bank Manager, International Eisteddfod Executive, Rotarian and King's Scout was born on 5 March 1935. He died from cancer, passing away peacefully at Nightingale House Hospice on 25 November 2024, aged 89, surrounded by his family.

The family would like to thank the exceptional District Nurses; Dr Tanner and the Llangollen GP/Health Centre team; the Palliative Care Team and Nightingale House Hospice for their care and support during Keith’s illness.

Written by Keith’s daughter, Nicola

Details for Keith’s funeral:

DATE: Tuesday 17 December 2024

TIME: 1.45 pm

VENUE: St Collen’s Church, Llangollen.

Family flowers only. Any donations in memory of Keith, if desired, may be made to Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham: www.justgiving.com/page/keith-hall-nightingale-hospice