Former Nottingham Evening Post and Western Morning News editor Barrie Williams has added his tribute to Keith Parker, who died at the weekend after a long illness aged 69.
Williams told Press Gazette: “When I was a 16-year-old trainee reporter in Shrewsbury Keith Parker, at 19, was a sage and experienced senior journalist – at least, that’s what he used to tell me! He was, then, what he remained throughout the life which has now ended so prematurely: a man of many talents and excellent qualities; a helpful, considerate, unselfish and loyal friend; a funny man with a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for practical jokes.
“Keith’s exceptional career record speaks far more eloquently than I could about the extent of his professional achievements and the regional industry to which he was devoted should never forget his selfless and significant contribution but what I shall miss most of all is his great sense of fun, never better employed than in the wind-ups and piss-takes with which he would relieve the boredom at many a stuffy function. We’ve lost a big man and a good man.”
The funeral for the former Express and Star editor is to take place next Wednesday, from 2pm at St Michael & All Angels in Church Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. It will be followed by committal at Telford Crematorium at 4.15pm.
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There will be family flowers only at the funeral, but donations to Compton Hospice can be made c/o Harry Edwards & Sons, Funeral Directors, 1 High Street, Wellington, TF1 1JW.
Family and friends will gather at Park House Hotel, Shifnal, after the funeral from around 4:30pm.
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