Keith was appointed by Durham Constabulary on 3rd September 1979, with his first posting being Spennymoor; he also served at Durham. After specialising as a dog handler, he was based at Chester-le-Street and Durham and later became a dog handler Training Instructor at Harperley Hall. Keith later moved into Control Room, finishing his service with HQ IT Training.
He was immensely proud to serve as a Police Officer, and deemed himself fortunate to serve as a Police Dog Handler, then a Training Instructor at Harperley Hall, ‘Getting paid for doing his dream job, working with the dogs’
After retiring on 2nd September 2009, after 30 years police service, Keith spent many years holidaying around the world and training his own dogs.
Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025, which he fought throughout with bravery and strength.
Keith is survived by his wife Patricia (former WPC 160, 1975-84) to whom he had been married for 43 years, son Peter, daughter-in-law Marsha and grandsons Michael and Shaun.
A funeral service is to be held at 3.00pm Friday 23 October 2026, at Durham Crematorium, South Road, Durham DH1 3TQ
Family flowers only, donations in lieu, if so desired to Paws Up Durham (Retired Police Dog Charity) and Macmillan.
After the funeral, friends are invited to join the family at Bede Lodge Social Club, Finchale Road, Framwellgate Moor DH1 5HL
Our thoughts are with Keith’s family and friends at this sad time.
