by Rebecca Hannant
The life of “fearless” firefighter Keith Jude has been celebrated at his funeral, during which a guard of honour ceremony was conducted by members of Patrington fire station.
After Keith died peacefully at home on January 13, aged 80, his funeral service took place on Monday, January 30.
It saw Keith’s family and the Patrington community come together to celebrate a man who also had a passion for gardening and making people happy.
Before the service, Keith’s coffin was taken to Patrington fire station where members of the station followed the cortege through the village to St Patrick’s Church, where the service was held. They then served as pallbearers and carried his casket through to the church.
Mark Vowles, of Patrington fire station, said: “Keith Jude joined the service in 1977, and he retired in 1998, where he offered 25 years of service.
“He was a leading fireman at Patrington station. He was fearless, and I think that stems from him being a paratrooper in the forces. He then worked as a retained fireman at Holmpton bunker.
“He worked for the parish council as a street warden for Patrington, so he used to water all the flowers in the baskets. I have known Keith and his family since being a child. He took me under his wing.”
Keith’s daughter-in-law Elaine Grimes said: “He is just amazing. He has such a spirit for his community. He loved the village, and he loved to make people happy.”
In Keith’s memory, his family are calling on people to consider joining the retained fire service.
