Tribute to Keith stalwart Davie Carson
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Keith has lost David 'Davie' Carson – one of its great characters and greatest champions.
A stalwart of the community, he lent much of his free time and considerable energy to promoting the town.
Davie was born just down the road from Keith at Newmill.
He went to the village school which at that time taught both primary and secondary-age children.
However, for the last six months of his education, he was transferred to the newly-built Keith Grammar School.
Upon leaving he found work at Hepworth's, the men's outfitters that used to be on Mid Street, eventually rising to become the store's manager.
He first met Helen, his wife of nearly 50 years, at a disco in the Royal Hotel.
An Aberdonian, she had come over to Keith at the invitation of a young woman who lodged with her parents in the Granite City.
Davie invited Helen to go for a coffee and they spent the rest of the evening talking together in a café overlooking the square.
The couple married in 1974 at St Mark's Church, which is next to Her Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. They would go on to have Denice, a serving police officer, who is married to Ross.
Denice said: "My dad was bold, friendly, full of life and he knew a lot of people.
"If you wanted something doing, then it was a case of go speak to Davie Carson because he'll know someone who knows someone.
"He was a very supportive person, not just to his family but to anyone who needed help.
"And he loved Keith – the place and the people.
"He and mum briefly moved once, but even though it was only about six miles away he never properly settled. Keith was in his blood.
"He was also a very good and patient father and granda. Football was one of his great passions and he absolutely loved kicking a ball about with my son Harry."
Davie was heavily involved in numerous local groups, including the community council, Keith Rotary Club and Keith in Flower.
Over the last couple of years he also got on board with the Keith Christmas Lights.
An extrovert who was never afraid of work, at the time of his passing Davie was employed as a salesman for Rizza's Ice Cream in Huntly.
Over the years he also worked in a similar capacity for Spencer Coatings, the Aberdeen-based paints company, and for Grampian County Chickens when they were still located in Banff.
Davie Carson died suddenly last Thursday at the age of 72.
A service will be held from 2pm onwards on Thursday, April 6, at St Rufus Church, Keith, thereafter to Broomhill Cemetery
Family flowers only. Donations in lieu can be given at the church door to Keith In Flower and the Keith Christmas Lights.
