Tributes paid to rotary club founder

TRIBUTES were today paid to a founder member of the Ipswich East Rotary Club who died suddenly.

IPSWICH: Tributes were today paid to a founder member of the Ipswich East Rotary Club who died suddenly.

Keith Harris was president of the club in the late 70s and had been secretary for many years.

The grandfather, who was believed to have been in his early 70s and lived in Kesgrave, died overnight on Friday.

Rotary club president John Clements said members had been “shocked and saddened” at news of his death.

“Keith had been a highly efficient club secretary for many years, was an excellent Rotarian, and a good friend and colleague to many of us,” he said.

“It will be strange not to receive e-mails from him, sometimes several at a time!

“Almost an insomniac, Keith started working early in the morning and frequently a reply to a request was answered before breakfast time.

“If I started early often the exchanges would have 'couldn't you sleep?' or 'can't you find something better to do on a lovely morning?'. Even when away on holiday the e-mails still came.

“Keith was good at twisting our arms to do something but always for the benefit of the club as a whole.

“We will all have our fond memories of him.”

Beyond his Rotary life, Mr Harris had a number of other interests, including rugby and photography, and had recently become secretary of the Old Ipswichians.

However, Mr Clements said Mr Harris' greatest passion was his family, including wife Joy.

He added: “The thoughts of all of us are with Joy and their family.”

Pay your tributes to Keith - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk