Vale – Keith Welsh

Copied below are excerpts from the eulogy recently delivered for Keith Welsh.

Rest in Peace Keith.

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Keith fought Prostrate Cancer for the past 11 years and at this point I would like to pay tribute to his loving wife of 49 years who has cared for him during his Very long illness.

I am sure without Toni’s love, and the support from her and his family, Keith would not have fought as hard as he did. His love for Toni was as strong as the day they were married.
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Keith was born in Rockhampton on the 1st April 1942 and was the first of 5 children of Bill and Gwen Welsh. He attended Allenstown State School and as a young student he developed osteomyelitis and was dependant on crutches for more than 1 year.

This did not stop him from participating in sporting activities as he quickly became very mobile and competitive on his crutches.

As a young lad Keith was taught how to box and was quite handy with the gloves. He won a Junior Central Qld Boxing Title.

The skill he learnt from boxing taught him to never take a backward step if he had to defend himself or his family.
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They have 2 sons Danny and Peter and a beautiful daughter, Penny. The children enjoyed a lovely upbringing and Keith always encouraged them to follow their individual hobbies and sports with a keen passion.

As a Dad he was always there for his children. He had a great sense of humour and loved to joke around with them. He loved his children very much.
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Keith loved Rugby League and played in the 1962 Redcliffe Dolphins Reserve grade Premiership winning team. He also represented the Brisbane Trades and Labour Cup sides in reserve grade.

He was a proud member of the great 1965 A Grade Premiership winning team and was delighted to make the 50 year reunion to share this very special time with his mate, George Gledhill , and all the team members.
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Tossa Turner was in need of a deputy and asked Keith to become the Assistant Manager of the QLD State of Origin. Keith cherished this role for a 6 year period.

With the leadership skills Keith displayed, he won the respect of these great players and a great time was always enjoyed by them whilst in camp. Keith always had some great stories to bring home with him.

Keith also worked under Tossa Turner’s leadership with the South Qld Crushers during 1995 to 1997. lt was here he commenced a strong friendship with player John Jughead Jones.

Keith always valued the many friendships he developed during his rugby league career
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Keith, The Last race has been run
The fish have stopped biting
And the Referee has blown his full time whistle
We loved you
Mate Rest in Peace