Today we have had the sad announcement of the death of celebrated historian, author and local character Ian Dewhirst.
Ian was a supporter and Honorary Member of the Society, he has always encouraged us and has lead many of our meetings.
His vast knowledge and irreverent delivery, in Yorkshire dialect made him a joy to listen too. His strong support of the town’s library and his belief that local history MUST be kept available in the town will be missed. As will the antics that it sometimes lead him into. These have included getting into a skip to retrieve tomes from “his” Reference Library that the powers that be had decided were no longer needed in Keighley (he thought different and told them so in no uncertain terms), to being the DJ, and a good one, at a Library Music event last year.
I am saddened to hear about the passing of ‘OUR’ Ian Dewhirst!. This local Keighley character was ‘old Keighley’ !
What a sad loss to very one who came in contact with Ian. Sadly I only learned of his death today 15th April.
I met Ian 25 years ago when he visited the Isle of Axholme and gave a talk such an knowledgeable and humouress gentleman.
One felt so uplifted after listening to him and if you were feeling low for whatever reason Ian was the one person to lift one’s spirits. Alas will will not hear his talks again, but memories of past talks will remain for ever in people who new him
Rest in peasce Ian, God bless.