OBITUARY: KEITH GRAHAM Farewell to nature lover who inspired so many Amazing 45years of service
One of the Stirling Observer’s most trusted and longest serving contributors, ‘Country View’ columnist Keith Graham, has sadly died. He was 88.
Keith’s first wildlife column appeared in the Observer more than 45 years ago on October 24, 1975.
He had been asked to write for the paper by the Observer’s then editor, Jim Crumley, a nature lover himself who later gave up journalism to write books on the Scottish hills and wildlife.
They first discussed the idea of a column during a Stirling County Cricket Club tour of Yorkshire. Keith, a former captain of the Williamfield club and at that time still opened the batting for the County XI. Fellow player Jim agreed.
Since then, Keith faithfully wrote his weekly column for the paper – never missing a deadline.
A resident of Port of Menteith, he worked in the media and agricultural industry before moving to the area to pioneer a new countryside ranger service.
Keith received a Provost’s Award in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community and was a member of Port of Menteith Community Council for about 20 years. He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Honorary Vice-president of the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association.
Last year, then Stirling MP Stephen Kerr tabled an early day motion at Westminster praising Keith for his contribution to the paper, presenting him with a copy of the motion which read: “This house recognises the commitment and hard work of naturalist Keith Graham by having written a weekly column in the Stirling Observer newspaper for 45 years; notes the invaluable contribution to raising awareness of the natural world to the readership; and further notes the support provided to a local newspaper by providing this regular and high quality column for publication.”
At that time, Keith said: “The Lake of Menteith and its wildlife has been a constant source of inspiration over the years when writing these articles which I hope not only conveyed a flavour of the natural world but also raised awareness of some of the threats it is faced with.”
Observer deputy editor Donald Morton said: “Keith has been a valued and trusted contributor for almost 50 years. In a circulation area like ours with a vast rural landscape, the environment and wildlife is often at the heart of our stories and Keith was always an in valuable source of advice and information.
“His passion for wildlife and the natural world was infectious and something which we have always felt privileged to share with our readers. His wealth of knowledge was something we came to depend on so often over the years.
“His book and numerous columns are an incredible legacy but he will also be fondly remembered by those of us who knew him.”