Tributes have been paid to Penryn's former Royal British Legion standard bearer who has died at the age of 81.

Although born in Yorkshire, Keith Gerred considered himself an honorary Cornishman and " 'rynner" having lived in the town for over 40 years.

Keith died at the Trevern Care Home in Falmouth on Tuesday evening where he had been for the last six months, prior to that he had been in Mountford House in Truro following a stroke. However one of the last things he did before he died was to watch the Queen's funeral.

Keith moved to Penryn in his forties but unfortunately divorced from his wife shortly after he moved here, but they had four children together: Nicola, who sadly passed away aged 37, Robert, aged 54, Douglas, aged 51 with the youngest Rachel, aged 45, the only one to be born in Cornwall. After their divorce he met his life partner Winnie Gerred, who sadly died ten years ago.

Over the years he was also gifted with 11 grandchildren.

 

Winnie and Keith

Winnie and Keith

 

The family lived in The Praze for many years after coming down to Cornwall for work. Keith was a roofer and scaffolder by trade but before that he was a fireman in the RAF and, as a member of the Penryn branch of the Royal British Legion, became the town standard bearer for 19 years before ill health forced him to retire. His favourite place was the bowling club and that was his weekend haunt.

During his time as standard bearer he led all the parades as the Penryn branch standard bearer. He last carried the standard eight years ago.

"He was incredibly proud, really proud to be standard bearer," said Rachel. "He classed himself as Cornishman despite being born in Yorkshire. He supported Cornwall and the Cornish songs and the Cornish rugby.

"He had a very dry wit. He was very popular. He was funny had a lot of friends. Everyone's been shocked by his death. He'd been in Penryn all of my life, 45 years, and he was just known by everyone. He's just one of those people that everyone knows. Old school. I feel lost without him, we're going to miss him. He's going to be missed by so many people.

Among the condolences to the family was one from Penryn Town Council.

Matt Barringer said: "I'm sorry for your loss, Rachel. Keith was a great man and I'll always be grateful to have known him."

Tracey Hart said: "Our thoughts are with you Rachel Jeanne Monique , he served Penryn RBL as a Standard Bearer for 19 years total respect and loyalty, Lest We Forget."

Rachel thanked people for their messages and the outpouring of love. "The feeling is very strong and it is appreciated. We're all gonna miss him," she said.

Funeral arrangements will be posted on social media.