Tributes pour in after Bolton FM's Keith Harris dies aged 69

Tributes have poured in after the death of a hugely popular figure in Bolton.

Bolton FM's Keith Harris died on Friday, June 21, in Birmingham aged 69.

He was best known for being the business development manager at Bolton FM, one of the few paid staff members at the mostly volunteer-led station.

Mr Harris had been watching his grandson play cricket in Birmingham on Thursday when he suffered a stroke, which he did not recover from.

Tributes to him have poured in from across Bolton, including from councillors, charities, organisations and colleagues at the station.

Dr Andrew Dickson MBE, the founder and chairman of Bolton FM, had known Keith for more than 50 years.

He said: "We will all miss him as he has been all things to each and every one of us - a friend, a mentor, a colleague and a very big part of Bolton FM.

"I have known and worked with Keith for over 50 years and been proud to have known him.

"The tributes to him have been fantastic, and he will be sorely missed, there is no two ways about that.

"He was employed for three days a week, although he often did more than those three days."

Dr Dixon added: "But the comments are really a testament to Bolton FM, the work we do in the community with Urban Outreach, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Fortalice, the council - we have done such good things, and he was central to that.

"It is the shock of it all. I was talking to him on Wednesday and on Friday he was gone.

"I've lost a work colleague and a good friend. There will be a hole, we will miss him.

"But he would not want us to dwell too much, he would want the station to continue doing what it does."

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan said: "On behalf of all the Bolton family, I’m sure we are all so saddened to hear of the passing of Bolton FM station manager and dear friend Keith Harris.

"My deepest condolences to Joan and the family and all at Bolton FM. RIP Keith."

A spokesperson for domestic abuse charity Fortalice said: "We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Keith Harris. He was such a great supporter of Fortalice and lots of the great work which happens in Bolton. Keith will be so missed.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joan, Phillip and the Harris family."

A spokesperson for Bolton Wanderers said: "Bolton Wanderers are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Keith Harris at the age of 69.

"A great friend of the Football Club, Keith was a hugely popular figure within our town and was always incredibly supportive of anything and everything connected to Bolton Wanderers.

"Keith was always keen to showcase the work of others in and around the town, including Bolton Wanderers, and worked tirelessly alongside Senior Management at the club in maintaining a positive, collaborative relationship between the two.

"This was emphasised in the previous 12 months, with Keith working closely with the club in helping to provide live commentary of all Wanderers’ games, broadcasting on both Wanderers TV and Bolton FM."

He added: "Keith would also champion all things Bolton Wanderers in the Community, as well as other charitable work throughout our town.

"Whether through himself or the radio station, Keith’s support in amplifying vital causes proved essential over a number of years."

Sue Johnson, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of Bolton’s greatest ambassadors, Keith Harris.

"Keith has worked with Bolton Council for many years and in that time has championed lots of activities, initiatives, campaigns and events.

"He worked for the people of Bolton, he did everything possible to make sure everybody had access to opportunities and that residents were well informed.

"He was incredibly passionate about our town and particularly enthusiastic about events, including Bolton Food and Drink Festival, IRONMAN and Armed Forces Day where he will be remembered this week."

MP for Bolton North East, Mark Logan, said: "Keith Harris has sadly passed away.

"He was the most enthusiastic supporter of every effort to make Bolton the greatest town in the north of England. He cared very deeply.

"It’s only three weeks since I did my final radio interview with him at Bolton FM. Little did I know I’d be reading this devastating news.

"Bolton has lost one of its biggest hearts."