Well-known Island sportsman Keith Mitchell has died at the age of 80, at his home in Binstead.
Keith was highly regarded as one of the best cricketers the Isle of Wight has produced and was also a keen footballer and golfer.
His working life started at Saunders Roe and continued at British Hovercraft Corporation, Westlands and GKN Aerospace.
Keith James Mitchell was born on July 28, 1941, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,
He attended Jersey Street Infants School in Cheltenham before coming to the Island where he went to Barton infants School.
He then moved to Barton School and proudly considered himself a Barton Bone Head.
Keith served an apprenticeship at Saunders Roe before then working for BHC/Westlands and then GKN in its various forms, as a troubleshooter on their supply chains, visiting suppliers around the country.
He had stints working away in Yeovil and Canada during the late 70s and early 80s.
A life-long member of Newport Cricket Club, he played for them and the Island, as well as catching the eye of Hampshire selectors at one point.
After his cricket playing days were over he went on to become a respected umpire.
Keith played football for East Cowes Vics, Parkhurst Old Boys and Saro Sports.
Golf at Osborne Golf Club became a passion later in life and he was always interested in horse racing.
He leaves behind wife of 49 years and ten months, Alison, sons Ben and Sam, daughter in law Kathryn and grandchildren Molly, Jack and Brooklyn.
The funeral will be on November 12, at 11.15am at the IW Crematorium, with a wake at the Fighting Cocks afterwards.
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