Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, 7 September 2026, aged 88, at Belong Care Home, Chester.
A much-loved Dad and Grandad, Keith will be remembered for his warmth, wicked sense of humour and his game fishing, as well as his involvement in many sports, his tales of travels and adventures, and his support of Liverpool FC and English cricket.
Born in Lancashire to Harry and Mary Allanson, Keith survived the Freckleton Air Disaster at the age of six. He studied Chemistry at Edinburgh University, becoming a lecturer, first in Barnstaple, North Devon, and then in North Wales at what became NEWI. He lived in Goodleigh, North Devon, and then Farndon, Cheshire, with his first wife, Mabel, and their daughters, before moving to Chester in 1985, where he is survived by his second wife, Mary.
Keith was a committed socialist and teacher, taking a keen interest in his students and offering encouragement to many throughout his career. He later became Director of the Distance Learning Programme at NEWI from 1989–1992 and retired in 1993.
Fishing was Keith’s greatest passion, taking him across the UK and as far afield as British Columbia and New Zealand. After retiring from his career in education, he became dedicated to protecting the rivers of the region, working for many years with the Dee Fisheries Committee.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters Judith and Aileen, grandchildren Ciaran, Robbie and Scott, and all his family and friends.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Belong Care Home for their care and kindness.
Funeral Service to take place at Chester Crematorium on Friday, 2nd October 2026 at 2:40pm.
The Harty Family have been entrusted with the arrangements for Keith, all enquiries to:
Hartys of Chester Family Funeral Directors,
14 Queens Park View,
Handbridge,
Chester,
CH4 7BU
(01244) 421 214
