It is with deep sadness and a very heavy heart that I write a final tribute to a dear friend and our former colleague, Keith Freeman. As many of you know Keith passed away suddenly and tragically on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that would make anyone proud. Keith led our operations business for almost 11 years. In that time, we all learned so much from him, not only about how to run a World Class operation, but how to do so with relentless kindness and respect. Keith demonstrated the utmost of care for everyone he met. Keith was a great friend to many and a great friend and confidant to me. He was always there with a word of encouragement, thoughtfulness and kindness. He loved a laugh, a pint, and mischief but most of all he loved his wife Marianne and his two beautiful daughters, Leona and Anya, of whom he was eternally proud and of whom he spoke often. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to Marianne, Leona and Anya and to his parents, his sister and his wider family and to his friends. Keith, there was no one like you. Thank you for your unbreakable friendship, the laughs, the great memories and the huge impact you made on all our lives. Thank you, dear friend, for everything. We’ll see you down the road. Rest in Peace. The below tribute page was created by Keith's family and will be available from the evening of Thursday Oct 16th to share your fond memories. https://lnkd.in/ejgMwM9H Go n'éirí an bóthar leat, Keith Tom Walsh Co-Founder & CEO Staycity Group
Some beautiful words Tom, we have lost a true gentleman and a dearly loved friend that touched so many hearts across the industry RIP Keith, my dear friend 💔
thank you for the lovely post and comments, i love you forever dad and you’ll always have a place in my heart ❤️
That is a lovely tribute to Keith and his family can be so proud of him. I first met Keith when he won General Manager of the year In Premier Inn back in 2007! He was one of those very rare individuals that you come across that had the ability to completely inspire the team around him to deliver something extra for the guest, I can only count 3-4 people I have ever worked with that have that gift. He went on to do a great job in Premier Inn, taking the " pixie dust" he inspired to both Ireland and Scotland when he went on to be regional manager. I had a few trips in the car whilst he drove and talked at the same time whilst going through red lights oblivious! He was such an inspiration to his teams and as you experienced when he came to Staycity. He was one of a kind, a wonderful individual, as a leader who left his shadow on every visit. He will be so missed by many and we will all wonder what he would have gone on to achieve. My deepest sympathies to Marianne, Leona and Anya, what great dad and husband to you. may he rest in peace. Patrick Dempsey
Some lovely words Tom. Keith was an absolute one of a kind. With his bags and bags of charisma and boundless enthusiasm he lit up every room. An amazing friend who I will miss dearly.
It was an absolute privilege to have known you Keith. I’m heartbroken to hear of your passing and far too soon for someone who gave so much of himself to others. Keith’s passion for hospitality was truly inspiring and left a lasting mark on me. He ignited in me a deeper love for our industry and a determination to always strive for excellence. His warmth, wisdom, and energy will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Keith your legacy lives on in all of us who had the honour of knowing you. 😥
Keith, you have been an inspiration to us all. You lifted everyone around you to new heights. A true gem always full of love you touched each of our lives in a profound way. As Tom said, you showed us what it means to run world-class operations. We will miss you deeply. Rest in peace, my mentor and friend until we meet again.
A very fitting tribute to a terrific legend of our sector who will be sincerely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him! RIP Keith
He will be missed and was one of the nicest neighbours I have ever had. The Close is not the same without him.
Lovely words, Tom; incredibly touching. Rest in peace and power Keith ❤️
What a lovely tribute to the best dad I ever could’ve asked for. We will carry him in our hearts through everything.🤍🤍🤍