GUISELEY have announced the passing of club stalwart and chief gateman, Keith Kitson.
Kitson was introduced to the club 20 years ago through his friendship with former chairman Phil Rogerson and took quickly to the job of running his own turnstile.
Four years later, that role was expanded to take on the responsibility of organising and co-ordinating the other turnstile volunteers.
Kitson was a well known and much respected member of the West Yorkshire Insurance community, where he worked all his life.
Prior to his death, he received the the Lions’ volunteer of the year award for the 2019/20 season.
The club issued this statement: "It is with much regret that the club has heard of the untimely death, last week, of its popular and friendly volunteer and chief gateman, Keith Kitson.
"Keith enjoyed the good things in life, good company, real ale, fine wines, rock music and, whisper it, watching Bradford City when he wasn’t working or on duty at Guiseley.
"Known amongst the volunteers for his dry wit and deadpan delivery, Keith was a fabulous asset for the club and will be very sadly missed.
"He leaves a wife, Janice and two children Jamie and Lucy and their children to whom the club would like to express its sincere condolences.
"Due to the current covid-19 restrictions the funeral will be a family affair limited to ten people, but the family plan to have some sort of memorial or get together once things return to normal.
"On learning that he had received the (volunteer of the year) award, Keith had said: “This was not expected, and I am really quite surprised. I would like to thank all of the other gate staff for their hard work”.
Clubs and former players took to Twitter to pay their respects:
We’re so sorry to hear about this sad news. Sending our love and prayers to you all and to Keith’s family and friends. #ATFC
— Alfreton Town FC (at 🏠) (@AlfretonTownFC) June 18, 2020
Really sorry to hear this sad news. Keith was always such a friendly, helpful, funny man and I always looked forward to a chat with him before games. Condolences to his family, will be thinking of you all this evening
— Alex Purver (@alex_purver) June 18, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear the news, thoughts and prayers goes to keith family and loved ones 🤲🏽
— hamza bencherif (@BencherifHamza) June 18, 2020
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