Arreton Church Warden David Keith Urry has died
Island born and bred farmer, who was church warden at St
Georges Church, Arreton for 35 years has passed away at the age of 83.
Obituary as reported in the Isle of Wight County Press:
Together they had three children, Debra, Vaughan and Nigel — although Nigel sadly died shortly after being born.
Keith enjoyed his time as church warden of St George's Church, Arreton, and ended up holding the post, with great honour, for 35 years, spending the last two years as Warden Emeritus.
His children both married at the church — Debra to Allan Peaker, and Vaughan to Sarah. Subsequently, all four grandchildren were baptised there too — Alexander, Philippa, Matthew and Tamsin.
Link to IOW County Press Obituary |
| David Keith Urry |
David Keith Urry, who was always known by his middle name,
was born in 1935 and raised by his parents Henry and Pauline along with his
siblings Jean, John and Peter at Green Park Farm on the outskirts of Newport.
On leaving King James 1st Newport Grammar School he worked
for his parents on the farm.
Keith developed a keen interest in sport, playing football
for both Barton and Carisbrooke, tennis for Newport Victoria Sports in the
Hampshire League, and table tennis for Newport Vics, Ronsons and Rookley until
his was in his 70s.
In June 1958 Keith married Wendy Williams, the daughter of a
Newport newsagent, and they moved to Poleclose Farm, also on the outskirts of
Newport.
Together they had three children, Debra, Vaughan and Nigel — although Nigel sadly died shortly after being born.
The family moved to Little Atherfield Farm which Keith
managed for his uncle.
In 1979 the Urrys moved to Merstone, where Keith worked for
Albert Henton and then Peter Nutt, and later moved to Arreton where Keith and
Wendy grew flowers which they sold to florists all over the Island.
Keith and Wendy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in
June when they were joined by four of their five bridesmaids, all of whom
travelled from across the country.
Keith enjoyed his time as church warden of St George's Church, Arreton, and ended up holding the post, with great honour, for 35 years, spending the last two years as Warden Emeritus.
His children both married at the church — Debra to Allan Peaker, and Vaughan to Sarah. Subsequently, all four grandchildren were baptised there too — Alexander, Philippa, Matthew and Tamsin.
Keith had a great love of nature and could name every
hedgerow plant or bird he saw.
A funeral will be conducted by the Rev. David Heatley at St
George's Church, Arreton, on Monday, July 16, at 12 noon followed by a private
committal at Springbank Cemetery.
