Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch and Age Concern campaigner Keith Warren MBE passes away
Keith Warren, 88, of Adlington, was well known for his dedicated voluntary work - especially looking after the needs of the elderly - which spanned 40 years..
He received an MBE in 2007 for his work in Chorley and Lancashire with the Age Conern Lifestyle Centre, Gillibrand Street, Chorley, Neighbourhood Watch and crime prevention.
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Hide AdFather-of-one Keith, who came from the Manchester area, was a former principal officer for the elderly social services.
He formed a Neighbourhood Watch after meeting with a local police bobby.
Keith went on to be chairman of Lancashire Neighbourhood Watch.
His enthusiasm helped to promote Neighbourhood Watch in other local areas and beyond.
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Hide AdKeith joined Lifeboat Association and raised money through various events
He joined the Lifestyle Centre and later became its chairperson.
The centre was a meeting place for over 50s, a community hub providing company chat, refreshments and activities in which to relax and be warmly welcomed.
He gained a lottery grant to improve its facilities, including IT and for the use of other groups to use for meetings and socialising.
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Hide AdKeith also involved schools to help bridge the generation gap, promoting a friendly caring atmospheres where possible.
His family described him as "a people's person" and said: "He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues."
Cath Hoyle, wife of Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, worked alongside Keith in the voluntary sector, especially with the elderly.
She said: "I worked on a number of projects with him.
"I was a volunteer at the Lifestyle Centre and we turned it round between us but Keith was the lead on that.
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Hide Ad"Keith rescued it. I was there to support him on the committee."
Cath added: "He put endless hours in there to provide a safe and happy environment for he elderly.
"He was a very active member of the community who threw everything into his retirement."
Keith's death was not as a result of the coronavirus.
Keith leaves a wife Joan, 90, daughter Norma, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A small family funeral will take place at Charnock Richard Crematorium on Thursday, June 11, at 9.30am.