There will be a private cremation. Keith's family and friends are most welcome to attend a memorial celebration at Tynedale Rugby Club, Corbridge, on Monday 5th March at 11am followed by a buffet lunch. Please wear informal dress.

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Members will be dismayed to learn of the death of J.K (Keith) Laidler on Friday 16th February 2018. He was Chief Executive of the Tynedale club from 1999 to 2001.

Keith was educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, where he developed a love of music and all sports –especially boxing, cricket and rugby football. He spent his two years of National Service stationed at RAF Leuchars in Fife in the RAF Mountain rescue team, where he was trained in mountain rescue. He enjoyed rock-climbing and rugby, and played a few games for the combined Scottish Services. His love of heights and the countryside continued with mountaineering, climbing Munros in Scotland and climbing, at least once, every notable hill described in Alfred Wainright’s books on the Lake District. While in his 50’s, after a hip replacement, he managed to climb all the peaks in one of Wainwright’s books in 24 hours!

Keith played cricket for Benwell Hill Cricket Club, and he remained a member and loyal supporter of that club throughout his life. He loved all types of singing and was also a keen birdwatcher, enjoying regular outings into the Northumbrian countryside with a small group of birdwatcher friends. But his main passion was rugby football –and particularly Tynedale Rugby Football Club.

Keith’s first impact on Tynedale came when he was involved in coaching teams at mini-rugby, when his son John was a young player. He successfully coached the minis from U9 to U14. He then moved into senior club activities and served on various committees, leading to his eventual election as Chief Executive. His efficiency, good sense and tact meant that the club prospered under his direction off the field, and onfield the 1stXV gained promotion into the National Leagues, at level 4, after struggling for 13 years to escape from North 1. Keith continued to work, mainly behind the scenes, in Tynedale’s interests. Whether it was supporting fund-raising ventures, painting the Colts hut, organising litter-picks, obtaining and planting bulbs (with Eileen) or designing posters to advertise events in the clubhouse he worked continuously, and largely unseen, to make the club’s administration more effective and the grounds more attractive.

Keith’s father had played on the wing for Blaydon RFC between the wars and Keith had a number of longstanding friends there.

As a member of the back-of-the stand brigade at first team Tynedale matches he was an appreciative watcher and an inveterate talker. He seemed to know almost every home supporter and also made a point of talking to visitors, showing a keen interest in them and their lives. His comments on the Tynedale team, always positive, reflected his encouraging support for the players. On hearing of Keith’s death Paul Walker tweeted “A true gent. Always tried his best to lift your spirits even when you had a shocking game” Another ex-player said “He was a lovely man. Always interesting, polite and good fun.”

Members will echo those views. We have all lost a good friend. The club has lost a good friend. Alexander Pope said “In every friend who dies we lose a part of ourselves, and the best part.” He was right.

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