Keith Clark – Obituary

We are sad to announce the untimely passing of Keith Clarke, former Technical Director of Premdor and Director of the British Woodworking Federation. 

Keith was involved with the Timber Door and Window sector for his entire working life, initially at Crosby Doors and then following the restructure for Premdor.  Few are able to match his record of service and commitment to the industry.  Keith attended his first technical meeting of the BWF as a “new boy” back in the 70’s and always said that he regarded his involvement with the BWF as a privilege , to work at the heart of things and serve both his company and the wider industry.

Keith was active in many aspects of BWF’s marketing and technical committee and representational work during his lengthy association with the federation.  He was closely involved in the setting up of the now successful and influential BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door Scheme in 1996.  Keith served on the BWF Council since March 2004 and as a Director of BWF from April 2005 until his retirement in December 2012.  An ever present attendee of both the Doors and Windows technical committees, he became Chairman of these in 2000 and continued this role until his retirement.  Keith brought an understated authority to all he did – when he spoke everyone stopped to listen. 

Whilst he will best be remembered for his tremendous contribution to the technical work of the BWF over an eventful period during which the industry faced some pretty demanding changes and challenges from “metrication” to “EN Standardisation”, he will also be remembered as a good friend by all those who came into contact with him.

Never one too busy to help anyone who requested it,  tributes received from fellow members include “a quiet and knowledgeable man”, “always a source of wise council”, “a dedicated supporter of the team at BWF”, “Keith was never the one to shout out his knowledge or skills but he had plenty – I have been the better for knowing him and working with him” and  “a lovely genuine man”.

Keith Clarke was a tremendous ambassador for his company Premdor, the BWF as an organisation, and for our industry as a whole.  He will be sadly missed.

With kind regards,

Iain McIlwee