Tributes paid to Eastbourne man whose ‘joyful spirit was felt by everyone’

‘The more people you help, the more good will come back your way’ are the words of Keith Kingsbury, 51, who sadly passed away last Tuesday (October 22).

Dorota ‘Doti’ Grala-Kingsbury, Keith’s ex-wife, said she is ‘overwhelmed’ by the response from friends, colleagues and even strangers whose lives were touched by Keith.

“After the news broke out I have reviewed hundreds of private messages and words of appreciation,” she said.

"He always helped others. There was not a day we were together as a family where he would not be stopped by someone who knew him and wanted a chat.”

Keith and Doti met while working at Milton Grange care home.

Doti said: "Everyone loved him there. He was always reliable, enthusiastic, and full of energy.

“Days were amazing at work when he was there, as his joyful spirit was felt by everyone.”

Keith was a devoted father to his two children Krystian, 13, and Daria, 12.

Doti said: “He loved spending days together and caring for the family. He adored his children, and every day he was telling them how much he loved them.”

The father-of-two’s ‘natural instinct was to be surrounded by others’, Doti added.

“He loved being [the] centre of attention,” she said.

“Keith fought with his inner worries by talking with people and making them happy.

"He always tried to be positive and happy.”

Keith’s friend, Matt Zalman, has started a fundraiser to help cover the funeral costs – more than £4,200 has already been raised.

Matt said: “Keith was a lovely man and an amazing person who helped a lot of people in Eastbourne town.

“He will be sadly missed by everyone."

A memorial for Keith is in place near the pier for anyone who wishes to pay tribute. A candle-lit vigil was held here on Sunday (October 27).

Keith’s funeral will take place at Eastbourne Crematorium at 12pm on Friday, November 22, followed by a burial at Langney Cemetery.

Anyone who attends is asked to ‘please wear something funky and colourful for Keith’.

For full details, visit: https://keithkingsbury.muchloved.com/.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/keith-kingsbury.