Keith Wilkinson (15 Jan 1950 - 21 Feb 2023)

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KeithChance to Shine

£385.00 + Gift Aid of £96.25
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Location
Skipton Crematorium Carleton Road Skipton BD23 3BT
Date
16th Mar 2023
Time
1.30pm
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In loving memory of Keith Wilkinson who sadly passed away on 21st February 2023.

Below are the fantastic details about my Dad's cricket career and brief overview of his life prioritise which over the past 3 weeks we have learnt from his friends, foes, playing & working colleagues, avid spectators and family, was much more than what he simply did on the cricket field or work environment. What has struck us as a family is the amount of people who have said how kind he was and how much time he gave to the game and the people he associated with within the game / work.

For me Dad will always be the standard bearer for how to conduct yourself as a sports person, work colleague, brother, grandad, dad and husband.

Keith William Wilkinson (born 15 January 1950) is a former English first-class cricketer who played for Worcestershire between 1969 and 1975.

Wilkinson played 49 First Class and 37 List A matches for Worcestershire between 1969 and 1975.

He scored 1,657 First Class Runs with two centuries against Oxford University and Kent.

He was also a useful left-arm medium-pace bowler and, in 1971, returned career-best figures of 5-60 against Sussex at New Road.

In List A cricket, the highlight for Wilkinson was 95 in the home Gillette Cup quarter-final against Nottinghamshire in 1974.

After finishing his professional career, Wilkinson went on to enjoy great success with Old Hill in the William Younger Cup and Cockspur Cup before captaining Kidderminster for many years.

Outside of cricket, Keith met and married Wendy in 1975, stating that of all his decisions this was his best. From here Keith and Wendy started a family firstly with Simon & secondly with Matthew. Keith pursed a career in stock control leading to him becoming a director of Gratton. Like his cricket career, Keith was always held up by his colleagues as an honest and trustworthy leader with one of his highlights being voted Gratton employee of the year.

Family was always at the heart of Keith's life enjoying time with his immediate family, mum, sisters and brother and later in life with his 5 grandchildren.

Keith relocated from Worcestershire with work to West Yorkshire in 1998 and retired in 2011 to pursue his new love "golf". This subsequently led to Wendy taking up the game and the two of them travelled both overseas and throughout the UK playing together and making many happy memories.

To wrap up these few words, Keith Wilkinson was first and foremost a people person who loved the companies of others and the opportunity to both listen, discuss and laugh. Family was at the forefront of his life and pleasure.

Martin &Cherry Pepper donated £30 in memory of Keith

Lots of happy memories with you Keith which we will treasure, always in our thoughts.

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Susan Gallimore lit a candle
Carey Pinder donated in memory of Keith
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John Elliott donated £100 in memory of Keith

We will all miss you

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Mary Ralph donated in memory of Keith

Happy memories of spending time with Keith, Wendy and family in Kidderminster- always great fun with them. RIP Keith - a great role model- a well loved man.

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Anne Bott wrote

Yesterday was a lovely celebration of Keith's life; Simon and Matthew did so well.
I have many happy memories of working with Keith; 20 years in total from Bridgnorth to Bradford and had many good times with Keith and Wendy.
Condolences to you all and I will always think of Keith when I hear Norman Wisdom - Don't Laugh at Me.

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Angela Garfield donated in memory of Keith

In memory of a great friend and colleague. Never forgotten x

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Michael Partridgr wrote

So sorry to hear of Keith's passing and so shocked.Had many enjoyable days and nights in his company in and around the cricket scene whilst he and his family lived in Kidderminster.A lovely family will miss their father and my I pass on all my family's condolences to Wendy,Simon and Matthew.RIP Keith.

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Penny (OHara) Sarjeant wrote

Keith's funeral service was a poignant and uplifting celebration of his fulfilling life. The beautiful eulogies from Simon and Matthew would have filled their Dad with pride. Condolences to Wendy and all the family. I hope they find comfort knowing how many lives Keith touched with his warmth and humour.

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Sarah Fairlamb donated in memory of Keith

Gone but never forgotten Keith x

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Sarah Fairlamb wrote

I worked with Keith for years when he moved up to Yorkshire. He was a consummate professional, extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the business and a great asset to both Kaleidoscope and Grattan/Freemans in general. But mostly I shall remember his warmth and kindness and that twinkle he always had in his eye. RIP Keith

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Ian Tidmarsh wrote

Wilky, a great man & leader. His enthusiastic & friendly personality helped many become better cricketers. A strong motivator & mentor too many, instilling belief to improve & succeed as an individual & as a team. I’m so pleased our paths crossed. Top class innings, RIP.

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Bob and Anna Lanchbury donated £100 in memory of Keith
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Mark Emmott wrote

Had some great Table Tennis Matches in the Keighley League, competitive on the Table excellent company off it RIP Keith

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Mark Emmott lit a candle
PETER BAGLEY wrote

A very good cricketer,Great captain, a leader but an even better bloke.
R.I.P.Captain

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Bill Allen donated £30 in memory of Keith

In respect of a top man

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Martin Weston wrote

I had the pleasure of Keith’s company both on the cricket pitch and also on the football pitch. I know Keith was very talented at both but he could also talk a good game. !! Enjoyed catching up at the WOPA days in recent years and he is someone I would always enjoy the company of. He will be missed by so many people and I send best wishes to Wendy and the family

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Gwen Capper donated in memory of Keith

In memory of a good friend who will never be forgotten. So many happy memories spent with Keith and Wendy and will always value his friendship, support and guidance. RIP Keith

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