Obituary: Tributes paid to Rotarian Keith Powell

Keith Powell

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The family and friends of a well known Rotarian who died suddenly have paid tribute to him.

Keith Powell, 61, of Marland, died at his home last Monday (14 March 2011).

Mr Powell, was the former President of the Rotary Club of Rochdale Eighty Six and later joined the Rotary Club of Middleton, where he was due to take up the 2012/13 presidency.

Mr Powell has been described as “everyone’s best mate” and “the nicest bloke you could ever wish to meet.”

Mr Powell was originally from Sheffield. He attended Sheffield University where he studied Civil Engineering.

Whilst at university he worked on the building of the M62 motorway between Prestwich and Rishworth Moor and moved to Rochdale.

He then went to work for Woolworths where he worked in IT for 37 years before retiring in 2008.

Mr Powell married his wife Janice 31 years ago. He leaves behind two step daughters Nicola, 40 and Deborah, 39 and three grandchildren, Eliot, 12, Georgina, 9 and Abigail, 6.

The couple enjoyed ballroom dancing and liked to go on cruises, their favourite places included Norway, Iceland and Greenland. And, although they hadn’t been ballroom dancing for a while Mrs Powell said he was “hooked on Strictly.”

Mrs Powell said: “Every single card I have received says ‘what a lovely man,’ ‘time for everyone,’ and ‘always a smile.’

“He loved Rotary.

“We have recently been researching our family trees. He started first and then he was helping me with mine.”

Mrs Powell said the pair loved spending time with the grand children.

He also enjoyed whiskey, walking and cricket.

His friend of 35 years, Stuart Sawle, said: “He was the nicest bloke you could ever wish to meet.

“He was very enthusiastic about cricket and knowledgeable about cricket and F1 motor racing.

“He was a connoisseur of whiskey. In a friendly whiskey tasting competition he correctly identified all six whiskeys whilst blindfolded.”

Eighteen months ago Mr Powell was recognised with the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Rotary Club of Middleton.

Mr Powell was a committed member of Rotary and had been involved full time since 2004 holding various roles in that time. He was recently planning the forthcoming St George's night.

Mr Sawle added: “He was always cheerful; he was one of the most helpful people. He was very friendly and obliging.”

Janice Sawle added: “He was a gentleman, he was everyone’s best mate, everyone’s friend, and he was a nice man to be around. He was very good with children, he was a family man.”

Mrs Powell added: “I must say thank you for all the cards and flowers and kind words. I can’t believe how many people have got in touch.”

Mr Powell’s funeral will take place at Rochdale Crematorium, on Friday 25 March at 1.40pm.