The Revd Keith Hobbs: 1937-2017

The family of Keith Hobbs would like to announce the death of Keith on 16 February 2017. He died very peacefully in Ashgate Hospice Chesterfield with his family present.

Keith was born in London in 1937 into a family belonging to the Open Brethren assembly. His large family eventually embraced a mix of Christian traditions as they were all encouraged to attend a church of their choice. Keith became involved with Perry Rise Baptist Church and its activities throughout his childhood. He attended a Church of England primary school followed by a direct grant school with a strong Anglican ethos. The foundation stones were set with a respect for different Christian traditions which was to stand him in good stead for his future ministry.

Keith trained for the ministry at Manchester Baptist College, from 1956-61, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Theology) and Bachelor of Divinity from Manchester University. Keith married Brenda in September 1961 after meeting her at a Christian Endeavour Holiday home. Their holiday romance lasted for 56 years! Their daughters Linda and Susan came along in 1963 and 1965 respectively.

Keith’s ministry started at Union Church, Stretford followed by Sion Baptist Church, Burnley (1967-1979) and Grimsby Baptist church (1979-1986). In 1986 he became a half-time tutor at Northern Baptist College and a half-time association minister with the Lancs and Cheshire Association (now North West Baptist Association). In 1989 he became the North West Area Superintendent of the Baptist Union. 

He retired in 2001, although, like many ministers of religion, he remained actively involved with the Baptist movement, preaching when asked and actively supporting the churches where he worshipped.  He valued his ‘church families’ and continued to be grateful for their care and support right until his death.

Keith’s eldest daughter Linda is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and funeral arrangements have therefore been planned to take account of her appointments, treatments, health status etc. There will be a close family only cremation service in March.

Family, friends and colleagues are invited to attend a Service of Celebration of Keith’s life at Chesterfield Baptist Church on 10 April at 2pm followed by light refreshments in the church hall afterwards. (Chesterfield Baptist Church, Cross Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 4ST). Please note parking at the church is very limited. However, parking has been arranged at a nearby school, postcode S40 4TD. The entrance to the school car park is between 27 and 27a Cobden Road. There are several car parks within a 10 minute walk (or short taxi ride).

To plan for catering it would be helpful if you could indicate your attendance. To help protect Linda, who continues to have a significantly reduced ability to fight infection due to chemotherapy, you are asked not to attend if you have coughs, colds or any other infectious illnesses.   

If you are planning to attend the service for Keith, please contact khobbsservice@minister.com.