Keith Sheepwash (31 Dec 1941 - 29 Aug 2020)

With fond memories of a kind and caring gentleman.

With fond memories of a lovely man.

Rest in peace Keith, a friend for over 40 years. You will be sorely missed by the whole family

Rest in Peace Keith you will be sadly missed by all the family

Rest in Peace Keith you will be sadly missed by all of us

Keith's connection to St. Mark's Church, Gillingham.

Keith was born in the family house in Second Avenue, Gillingham. He had an older brother John and a younger brother who died at the age of 5. He was educated locally and on leaving school had several different jobs. When we first knew him he was working for Gillingham Borough Council as a council tax collector. He lived with his parents and after the death of his father continued to look after his mother. He was still living in the same house (for 78years) up until he went into hospital on Friday 21st August.
Keith first joined St. Marks around 1986 soon after the death of his mother. He very quickly became involved and was part of a small discipleship group led by Peter and Moira Cornelius. He was subsequently confirmed, became a valued member of two Home Groups. He immersed himself in many areas of church life. He ran many Alpha Courses and was excited to lead people to faith in Jesus. He would continue to mentor them.
He was elected and re-elected several times as a PCC member for many years and up until his death was part of the Mission Support Group. He took an interest in the youth and children in the church. As Church Warden, he could often be found undertaking practical tasks e.g. mending broken toilet seats, unblocking drains, replacing light bulbs etc. tidying the church as well as being a support to the vicar. He had a passion for flowers (except chrysanthemum!) and organised and encouraged a team of flower arrangers. Until just before lockdown, even though his health was failing he could be found checking the weekly cash offering and then banking it. As a licenced Pastoral Assistant (Diocese of Rochester), his ministry was not upfront, but very much a ministry of coming alongside people, especially those who were struggling for whatever reason. He also undertook to visit families wishing to have their baby baptised (christened). He was instrumental in organising a Prayer Ministry team. He represented St. Mark’s on the local Deanery Synod.
There are many people in St. Mark’s, and also further afield, who have much to thank Keith for as he gave them spiritual, mental and practical support. He strongly believed in the healing power of prayer and was very much involved in the Prayer Ministry teams at the yearly Eric Delve Conference at Detling.
Keith will be missed by the vast majority of people in St. Mark’s and beyond. He was very much loved by our own family and he spent Christmas Day and/or Boxing Day with us for the past twenty years. He spent many a Sunday evening sharing cheese and coffee with us. He was never in a hurry to leave. Our younger grandchildren thought he was Ernie’s brother.
Outside of St. Mark’s he was a long standing member of the Rainham Amateur Theatrical Society (the RATS) and also two local Bowling Clubs – Sturdee Avenue and Prince Arthur Road.

Keith we look forward to meeting up with you one day in heaven.

In memory of Keith at the RATS.

In memory of Keith, a friend for many years. Exit stage right.