The Keith Sheel Tribute Thread

[simon]

IN MEMORIAM

15 JANUARY 1950 - KEITH SHEEL - 16 DECEMBER 2005



Please scroll down for funeral arrangements

It is with the deepest regret that I must pass on the news of Keith's departure from the wonderful world of music, to the even more wonderful world of that which is to come. I am only sorry the news could not have been broken earlier, or with any greater ease, but his desire was always to make folks happy, never to upset, and Hayley had a concert tonight with the Huddersfield Girls Choir, a concert he and I had planned to attend, and which he may well now have done, even if only "in the Spirit". I'm sure that whatever he heard tonight far surpassed anything he may hear in the heavenlies!

After a long and well fought battle against cancer, Keith finally slipped into his final sleep at 5.15p.m. on the evening of December 16th. He did not die of the cancer which had tried to claim him, a passing no one could possibly relish with all its associated pain and discomfort, but of an inoperable internal bleed that no-one could have forseen. His earthly reed may have been severly bruised, but it was never broken... He is now with his Lord and at peace, having accepted Him into his heart and mind some two or three weeks ago.

His last wish would have been that no-one should grieve for him, but instead be happy that his departure was totally pain-free and without trauma.

He passed away, just as he had lived, with great presence of mind, courage and fortitude, still doing what he's been doing ever since I've known him... Promoting his favoured young ladies; latterly, Hayley Westenra from New Zealand and Taylor Kirk from America.

His was an almost totally unselfish life, offering to others a chance he himself had always been denied; the opportunity to come before a waiting world and bless it with a unique instrument - the human voice. Living out his latter days in service to others - often working on his beloved forums long into the night, chivvying me to "update those sites", yet never asking for any reward save that of knowing he was "doing the right thing".

He wasn't perfect, none of us are, but he strove to bring perfection to an anger-filled world and bring a little love and peace where little had existed before... And in that aim, I firmly believe, he succeeded way beyond his wildest dreams or expectations. He may indeed have passed away from our sight, but he will never fade from our memories.

It is my intended aim to carry on that which he began, to the best of my ability, without thought of reward save that of knowing I am loved... And that IS his legacy, the legacy of love.

May the Lord grant you, Keith, one of His finest masions... Could well be the heavenly forums will ring with your loving touch before very long. Bless you Keith, you were, and still are, one of my all-time best friends. Your support was my salvation... I shall never forget you.

Sleep well my friend.

Simon

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your messages of support and condolences to Bill, Keith's closest and dearest friend for well over 15 years will be gratefully appreciated.

For him, this is a most difficult time indeed.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please feel free to add your thoughts and words to this thread

[chrisw]

Dear Keith,

I have started this so many times this evening. I wanted to say thank you for everything, one thing at a time so that I wouldn't leave anything out.. but I guess what I really want to say is thank you for being you

Without you, I wouldn't have become a part of this community, made so many new and wonderful friends, and had so much enjoyment out of the last couple of years

Just a few short months ago, I saw you in London, and because of you, I was introduced to Susan and Taylor - two amazing women who I have come to adore and love greatly

Because of you (and Simon) I have become part of an amazing group of people that is lucky enough to include people from Hayley, Gill, Gerald, Sophie & Isaac, Steve Abbott.. Roger, Simon, Dave, Gerrit, Belinda.. Holly, Trixie & Craig.. Susan & Taylor.. and everyone else who has been a part of this world

Because of you, I have come to appreciate so much more in life; music, life itself, people.. You emailed me while I did my time in Iraq, and let me know that people were thinking of me while I was out there, and because of you, I was able to see Hayley whilst on leave for just a few short days late last year.. and to hear Hayley sing with Holly briefly after the concert

Because of you, people now recognise the blue HWI sweatshirts wherever they go.. Your unique sense of humour, and bubbly&fun personality.. the last time I saw you was when we said goodbye to Taylor and Susan at Heathrow - a surprise they loved.. and one that was made even better for me when you emailed me the pictures you had taken of Taylor and I at the airport.

Thank you Keith, for your friendship, and for all the fun we've all had because of you.. keep an eye on us from up there, because you've left one hell of a legacy - watch us carry it on for you, and know that you're the inspiration for the future..

Always in memory,

Chris

[simon]

Appended here on behalf of two very dear friends of ours ...

---

Dear Simon,

I feel compelled to put somethings in writing, as that is where I really express myself the best, about Keith. You are my captive audience, and you may do whatever you like with this - it's all about therapy for me.

(Keith would be so embarrassed by all this, the big fuss and everything, but I'm doing it anyway!)

What Keith Sheel Has Meant To Us -

Keith Sheel was an honorable man...

He was also - stubborn, smart, kind, caring, extremely funny, unselfish, always a gentleman, "gorgeous," lovable, quick-witted, did I mention stubborn(?), patient, gentle but strong, determined, perfectionist, always interesting, self-sacrificing, ornery, and a fine man to the core. This world could use many more like him, and won't be as wonderful a place without him.

Keith Sheel was an honorable man.

He is the one who...

- Believed in Taylor.

- Showed us that there really was life after Sony Classical.

- Offered to create a beautiful, complete website, and made it happen, with Simon's help.

- Encouraged us to make the trip to England, and then made sure we met everyone, and got everywhere we needed to.

- Offered us advice, encouragement, support, and friendship, from the beginning.

- Wrote a note to us almost daily, and filled a folder full of delightful "Keith Stories."

- Introduced us to his wonderful circle of supportive friends, who embraced us then, and continue to do so.

- Volunteered to get Taylor to the Manchester audition, and then stayed with me as we waited nervously.

- Took us on a "magical mystery tour" of Wales, even though he was very sick.

- Had to rent a car to complete our journey, because his broke down, and he was still there to pick us up, because he said, "I gave my word."

- Took the "girls" shopping, in the rain, for the whole day in Cardiff, and had us laughing the entire time.

- Arranged for a send-off surprise at Heathrow, even though it meant shuffling cars around and driving 300 miles in order to make it happen, and we only had about ten minutes to say thank you and goodbye.

- He called and wrote whenever he was able these last two months, and always tried cheer me up! He didn't want me to worry.

- He was a loving and devoted friend, who was so easy to love, and we shall miss him dearly.

Sweet Dreams, Luv.

Susan and Taylor
XXOO

[ Simon: See more of Keith in Gallery Four at www.Taylor-Kirk.com ]

[simon]

Appended on behalf of yet another good friend

---

Dear Simon,

I've finally made it home from work, and had a minute to sit and process it all.

Young children are such a blessing to have around as a distraction, which was the case this morning when I spoke with you.

Now that I have a minute to myself, its all sinking in.
My thoughts go out to you and all our friends with H.W.I.

I have to say the past couple of years have brought to me too many deaths of family (my wife and son) and friends.

Keith was a very special friend of mine - I have the best memories of the day we met in Oxford, and all the hours we spend on the phone over the past 2 years. I remember the day we met (two years-ago), I asked him if he'd ever heard of Charlotte Church....
That is how I come to know Hayley Westenra.

I always hold on to good memories - they help in times like these. When I think of Keith I have only the best of memories.

"Always Let It Be".

Keith - We'll all miss you.

James
H.W.I.

[Joe]

[black]First of all let me offer my condolences to Keith's friend Bill; also to Keith's friends and staff of HWI Forum.

Dave and Roger notified me Friday night of Keith's passing. We PM'ed words of comfort to each other (difficult through my teary and red eyes).

Let me say a few words about Keith. I never met the man. Never heard his voice. Never felt the tight grip of his handshake. Somehow this man has impacted me in more ways than I can count. I think of him as an uncle. One who might take you out fishing. One that would keep sweets in his pockets for the children. Patient and kind; always taking care of others was Keith.

I know he was an avid fan of Lewis Carroll. Keith moderated a Yahoo forum of the popular author. He left that to devote all his attention to creating a Hayley Westenra website and message forum. When I first joined this forum in November 2003, I was joining perhaps a dozen other Hayley fans. Keith sent me a marvelous welcome. He offered me the post of HWI correspondent only a month later. He sent me a lovely HWI sweatshirt which I am wearing now.

Through this forum I have become friends with so many wonderful people. We've grown into a close family. I know that Keith's kind words helped me to become a moderator here a few short days ago. His support for Hayley and others was nothing short of miraculous. Keith was keen on his family history and traced his name back many generations.

In our e-mails I learned that Keith worked in the northern part of Wales for a number of years. He told me that he loved to volunteer on the Publicity Committee at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and was glad to meet Luciano Pavarotti.

I know that the voices of angels are still singing to Keith. Only these angels are angels of the Lord. There is no pain in heaven. Only eternal happiness. Peace and glory shine in the Lord.

We thank you. Well done, that man. May you rest in peace, Keith, my friend. [/black]

[roger]

Where does one begin when defining the virtues of such a remarkable man? To me, Keith was the most loyal and trusted friend; someone upon whom I knew I could always depend. He was like the brother I never had.

I had the pleasure of knowing Keith for a little over two years yet, in many ways, I feel as though I had known him all my life. He was such a caring man, yet defiant when necessary. He was also a man of great wisdom and patience. He always had an ingenious plan to deal with any situation that life throws at us and a clever answer to any question, although this was usually preceded by one that was humorous! What I remember Keith for more than anything was his commitment to fulfilling anything which he had agreed to do. I doubt if he ever let anyone down in his life. That is one thing he would not have known how to do.

Keith saw me through troubled times. Even when he was ill (but before I knew it), he was always there for me when I needed him. He was frequently in touch when I needed companionship yet he gave me space when I wished it. Somehow, he always knew which was needed.

In recent months, I was full of admiration for the way Keith confronted his illness. With never a thought for himself, he was always trying to help others. Throughout this time, he never tried to be brave – he was brave.

Thank you for everything Keith. If it wasn’t for you, I would never have come to know so many good friends around the world. Thank you for all your support and for the laughter and, indeed, for inviting me to become apart of this great community that is HWI. I will never forget you.


May God rest the soul of a great man and a wonderful friend.

Roger

[Raymond]

May you rest in peace, my friend Keith. We won't forget you.

Raymond

[Belinda]

Very sad news Broken to me by Roger,

I too had known Keith for over 4 years, spent many hours talking into the early hours re Hayley or his beloved dog Tina,
He listened with interest re the shows my daughter Kim was in.And worried along with me when she got Bells Palsy at age 12.
In July this year, Keith emailed me and said he was looking forward too many exciting things for Hayley and was real desperate to get his hands on the new album., he said I'm afraid i am like a little boy,impatient.I want everything now,or sooner ,
He also could not wait for the release of Hayley Westenra ,The world at her feet and i had to send a couple of copies over as soon as they were out in NZ.
He said he was excited about meeting my daughter and i in September this year,
(His words in a email to me ),
We have known each other for so long it will be wonderful to finally be able to give you a hug.
His wish was granted and we met at the Special Piccadilly concert Sept 22 nd, a concert i will never forget,i met many special friends for the first time,although i had spoken to them many times on messenger or email.
A wonderful person whom i am going to miss dearly,

I am so gratefully for his support of my fellow country person Hayley Westenra.

My only regret was not being able to spend longer talking to Keith when i was in the Uk.
I'm going to miss you keith ,but you'll always be in my heart.

Belinda

[simon]

Yet another dear friend sends this message via the JustCharlotte group
_________________________________________________________

Oh Simon...I am sooo sad!

I have always hoped that someday I would get to meet you and Keith and Barrie and Kirsty and Roger and Gareth and all of the crew at HWI from the U. K. and Europe. I guess that's not going to happen.

I received a delightful letter from Keith earlier this year and I have cherished it from the day it came. I was just getting ready to mail him his Christmas card...

I leave you with the Chorus of a song God gave me this summer, when my 23 year old friend and her husband were killed in a senseless car accident. It's called "I'm Going Home" (Sariah's Song).

I'm going home
To be with father
I'm going home
To be so blessed
I'm going home
My journey's over
I'm going home
It's time to rest

In Christ, and in loving memory of Brother Keith...

Master Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight and Defender of the Universe!

[nicola]

Keith, I met you a few times and you always came across as a kind and genuine man. I'm sincerely saddened by the news and I know you know full well you will never be forgotten.

All my love,
Nicola
x x x

[Richard]

Dear Keith,

Many thanks for all your efforts with Hayley Westenra International and on the forums. Thanks to you I learnt so much about the early days of Hayley's career, and I have become a much bigger fan of Hayley as a result. It was a real pleasure meeting you on three occasions this year, and I shall miss your wonderful sense of humour.

Farewell dear friend and God Bless. I will always remember you.

Richard

[simon]

More words from yet another of Keith's friends
____________________________________

Keith was a wonderful person, always laughing and joking around. These
are my memories of him after having the pleasure of meeting him at
Hampton Court, Cardiff and Classic Alive.

I can't really put into words what I feel; nothing seems appropriate.
But Simon, if you could please pass on my sincerest and deepest
condolences to Bill (and copy this to the forum), that would be very
much appreciated.

Whilst Keith may not have wanted us to grieve, there will be many many
people around the globe who are hurting from this news. May I propose
that once we have the funeral date and time, all those not attending
hold a 2 minute silence (wherever they may be) at the time it is due
to begin, and remember Keith and all the good he did.

Love Kirsty xx

[gareth]

Dear Keith,

Thank you for what you have meant to me. I got to know you nearly five years ago, and have been struck by your dedication to this on line work for so many young singers.

I have leant to appreciate you as a man of considerably more patience than I had - and that too was a significant factor in establishing a friendship that has enriched my life.

Thank you for your support in helping establish web sites for Holly Holyoake, Yulia Townsend and Katherine Jenkins, as well as for your assistance in the Young Classical Performers group.

I am pleased to have met you a number of times in recent years and will have precious memories of those meetings.

Rest In Peace, dear friend.

Gerrit

---

I have started a thread at the Katherine Jenkins International forum (kji.proboards43.com/), the Holly Holyoake International forum (holyoake.proboards30.com/) and the Yulia Townsend International forum (ytownsendint.proboards28.com/).

I have reproduced part of Simon's initial message, and anyone who wants to post a message there, feel free to do so. I have provided access to guests in those threads, so you can post withhout signing up - at least I hope that function works.

[denis]

Dear Keith,
I am not ashamed to say I write this with tears in my eyes, particulary as I have just returned from Huddesfield.
Hayley, the Brass band and Methodit Choir were terrific. How sad Hayley will be (or maybe now is ) on receiving this defastating news. I was not able to speak to Hayley on this occastion but hopefully Peter did..
Keith I only met you the once but I am devoted to HWI and I am sure your legacy will endure.
I will have a Mass said for the Repose of your soul.
Rest in Peace
Denis

[fusilier23]

I am ashamed to admit that I had fallen into the mode where I though everything would have to wait until after the new year, because between Christmas and work there just wasn't time for much else.

(sigh) Once more the folly of this attitude has been demonstrated. I was shocked and saddened last night when I received the news, but wanted to collect my thoughts this morning.

I regret that Keith and I were never actually able to meet, but I do count myself lucky to have known him over the internet for the year and a half or so that I did. So what can I say? I can say that Keith opened up to a complete stranger with only one shared interest: Hayley. I can say he was a patient guy who listened to me when I was not at my best, and a supportive friend who stood by me through a difficult time and six months worth of searching to land a desperately-needed new job. I can say he backed not only Hayley but deserving people in her mold, like Holly, who I hav had the pleasure of meeting and Taylor, who although I have not met her seems equally as wonderful.

C.S. Lewis, justly remembered as one of the great literary figures of the last century, wrote that this world is only a shadow of what lies beyond, in the perfect archetype where fear is no more and no good thing is ever destroyed. All our adventures and misadventures, successes and failures, and comings and goings here are but the cover and the title page, and only when we pass the heavenly portal do we begin Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read, which goes on forever, and in which each chapter is better than the one before it. Whether or not Keith accepted anyone specific and when is immaterial, no service which is not good can be done in God's name, and it is God who will reward it. I think I can say that Keith did enough good that he has now been permitted to pass into that Great Story, where I hope we will all meet him again.

In the meantime, to the embrace of the earth we commit his remains, and to the care of our God we commit that which survives. For those of us who remain here, there remains his mission, not just to support Hayley as best we can, but to support and encourage whatever young people of goodwill and character we can. Actually Kristyn and I will be giving a concert together tomorrow night in furtherance of her budding career, and in my opening remarks, I will mention this passing, that those who attend may know of Keith and what he dd.

Farewell, Keith, till we meet again in that Garden not grown by human hands, before the twelve gates of the City not lit by sun nor moon, and take our supper at His Table. Rest well till then in the company of the just.

Steven Olivo, NJ, USA