RESPECTED Green Party politician and dignity in dying campaigner, Dr Robert Keats, has died.
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease less than two years ago, Dr Keats, known as Bob to his close family and friends, died at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice in the early hours of last Tuesday, aged 62.
Born on August 13, 1954, Dr Keats was a humanist and Epicurean. The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus believed ‘death is nothing’, and friendships were the most important element of a good life.
Because of his family and many friends, Dr Keats considered himself the luckiest person he knew, even after his diagnosis.
Dr Keats spent 40 years working in the property management and education sectors. He was chair of the Island Cottages Housing Association and the Real World Trust, a substance misuse recovery charity, and a trustee of The Foyer, Ryde, which provides accommodation and training for young people.
A social housing champion, Dr Keats worked for local authorities and housing associations during a career that took him to London and Australia, lectured at Southampton Solent University and the University of Amsterdam, and belonged to a number of professional housing and education bodies.
He gained several higher education qualifications, including a doctorate from Nottingham Trent University in creative teaching in the professions, and in 2012 founded his own consultancy and training business.
He published a number of academic works and, shortly before his death, a book entitled How to Die Well Without God.
A Shorwell parish councillor, Shorwell Youth Club treasurer and secretary of Newport Rowing Club, Dr Keats was also chair and MC at the Shorwell Midsummer Fair.
He was a keen gardener and tree planter, who enjoyed good dinners and great parties with his friends and family.
Dr Keats leaves his wife of 35 years, Helen, daughters Holly and Sophie, and siblings, Christine, Pamela and Peter.
His funeral will be held at the family’s Shorwell home at 1pm tomorrow (Saturday).