TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular member of the freemasons.

Keith Procter died on August 14 peacefully at his home following a short illness and was surrounded by his loving family.

The beloved and devoted husband of Shirley for 64 years, loving father of Sarah and his son-in-law Andrew and a proud and cherished grandad of Grace and Lydia.

Keith’s working life was spent as an engineer working for a velvet manufacturers Giron Freres in Accrington before becoming a site manager for a company in Bury.

He was always a hardworking man who appreciated the true value of everything in life and he was never one to give up on achieving his goals.

Keith was a keen gardener, and enjoyed spending time keeping his garden immaculate which always bloomed in full colour throughout the seasons.

His daughter Sarah said: “He used to love his garden and especially his fish pond which had different types of pond fish.”

The 86-year-old was an active member of Grange Bowling Club and a keen cricket supporter

He was also well-known for loving music and was a member of Accrington Freemason Organisation.

Sarah added: “He was a member of the Freemasons for a long time. I think it was for 40 years.

Keith was a Patron of All Saints Church, Clayton-le-Moors and St James’ Church Altham, where he was a well respected and active member of the church family.

He also served as a churchwarden at the church in the 1980s.

Holidays were always a favourite time for Keith and he has shared many wonderful times making precious memories travelling both in the UK and worldwide with his wife and soulmate Shirley.

Sarah said: “He used to love going abroad with my mum to lots of different places and they enjoyed going away every year.

“He was a devoted family man and proud father and grandfather and he loved nothing more than getting together with those closest to him for a celebration.

“We have had lots of messages of support that he was a calm, quiet wise person.

“It has been great comfort to us and it is nice to hear about the type of person he was and how well respected he was.”

The funeral service was held on Monday at All Saints Church and donations can be made in Keith’s memory on behalf of All Saints, Church or Autism Initiatives.

If you would like to make a donation to any of these causes then you should check out Champs Funeral Directors website and look at the obituaries section and click on the link.