Tributes have been paid to the Reverend Keith Tewkesbury, former Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos, who sadly passed away recently.
It is with great sadness that Rydal Penrhos announces the extremely sad passing of the Reverend Keith Tewkesbury following a short illness.
Rev’d Tewkesbury was School Chaplain at Rydal Penrhos for 11 years up to August 2009 and was a much-loved member of the staff team, contributing significantly to the development of pupils and also promoting the proud ethos across the school.
Since leaving Rydal Penrhos, Rev’d Tewkesbury served for 10 years as Superintendent Minister of the Conwy and Prestatyn Methodist Circuit. Following his retirement in 2019 at the age of 75, the respected figure became a part-time chaplain at the Coed Craig Methodist Home in Rhos on Sea.
The former Chaplain left a lasting legacy at the school. His thoughtful, caring nature with pupils and staff alike will always be remembered with great fondness, as will Rev’d Tewkesbury’s selfless nature and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to assist in whatever way, shape or form was needed.
This was a standard that Rev’d Nick Sissons and the Rev’d Dr Rob Beamish have carried on in recent years. Something that provides an extra support system for our pupils and remains a source of great pride.
Chris Lord-Brown, said: “I have had the privilege of arranging many funerals that Keith officiated at over the last 27 years. He was a true gentleman. His quiet and gentle manner comforted many families at their most difficult times. He will be very much missed.”
Jennifer James, added: “So very saddened by this sad news, Keith was an exceptional person, who was a great strength to Michael and I, during our time at Rydal Penrhos, and afterwards when Michael was diagnosed with MND he was such a tremendous support. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Rev’d Tewkesbury will be very much missed by all who knew him. Everyone at Rydal Penrhos extends our deepest sympathy to his wife Rachel, his children and the rest of his family at this sad time.
Ken Hulme, one-time Transport Manager at Rydal Penrhos, said: “I’m so sad to hear this, Keith was a lovely man always there to reach out and help others and was a tremendous support to me personally while working at Rydal Penrhos. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Rachel and his children.”
For anyone looking to pay their own respects to Rev’d Tewkesbury, the school is hosting his funeral at St John’s Church on Wednesday 14 December. This will begin at 2.30pm.
If any Rydal Penrhos Alumni wish to attend, please email alumni@rydalpenrhos.com.
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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, emailing admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or registering your interest online.
