Tributes pour in to popular Keith

Keith Cartmell, 53, has lost his four-year battle with motor neurone disease.

He has been described as a “ pillar of the community” and “superb and talented actor”.

Having lived on the Fylde Coast, he and his family had relocated to the North East where Keith took up a post with Archers Law in Stockton on Tees – returning to Lytham after the onset of his illness.

He was a governor of Arnold School, a Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve, a member of Lytham Cricket Club and a Blackpool FC season ticket holder.

Family friend and amdram colleague Rosie Withers paid tribute to him.

She said: “Keith was a larger than life character who was so well-known throughout the Fylde coast for his many and varied interests.

“His enthusiasm and passion for life were second to none but his first love was acting.

“He was a superb and talented actor who was so versatile, he could have played any role.

“His comic timing was excellent and he played many comedy parts,

“Keith struggled incredibly bravely against this terrible illness.

“His death is a huge loss to the amateur stage on the Fylde coast.”

Fylde Coast Players was Keith’s main society for over 25 years, but he occasionally performed with Our Lady Star of the Sea Operatic Society, Anonymous Players and Premier Theatre Company .

One of his finest hours was playing Salieri in Peter Schaffer’s Amadeus along with now famous actor John Sim. Keith was awarded best actor when the play was entered for the Isle of Man festival. He also enjoyed performing with his family and many of his plays were directed by his wife Heather.

Mr Cartmell was also a very keen sportsman who enjoyed sailing and scuba diving as well as watching baseball and ice hockey.

He leaves his wife Heather, daughters Emily and Sophie, parents Derek and Greta, and sister Elizabeth.