Heritage and main line railways across the UK lost one of their most enthusiastic supporters at the weekend following the sudden death of Keiron Thorogood.
Keiron, 49, who was Rail and Heritage Account Manager for Morris Lubricants, died in his sleep on Saturday at the home he shared with his partner, Helen Cottee, in Newton Sudbury, Suffolk.
He had worked for Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants for 20 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Nigel, who was the company’s Area Sales Manager for East Anglia for 23 years.
“Everybody in the company is shocked and stunned by the loss of Keiron,” said Andrew Goddard, Morris Lubricants’ Executive Chairman. “He was so passionate about his job, had real knowledge and understanding of railways and the heritage market but, most of all, was such a lovely man.
“His passion also extended to motorsport and was a great ambassador for the company at race events across the country where our sponsored drivers were competing.”
Having inherited his passion for railways from his father, Keiron was involved with North Norfolk Railway, Helston Railway and Mid Norfolk Railway.
He helped to launch the Morris Lubricants Heritage Railway Support Scheme in April to provide assistance to railways during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the last orders he secured was from the Severn Valley Railway last Friday.
“Keiron was so good at networking and always tried to help railways with his contacts whenever he could,” said his father, Nigel. “He was getting involved with the Mid Norfolk Railway and advising about restoration work.
“He loved working for Morris Lubricants, as did I until I was nearly 70. He started working with heritage railways, then branched out into main line operators and had recently made contact with plant hire businesses associated with railways. He even helped the company to develop a new grease for use on diesel engine bogie units.
“I would like him to be remembered as a pleasant, happy young man who was passionate about his family, work, railways and motorsport. The hundreds of tributes that we have received since the weekend have been comforting and show just how much he was admired.
“Being with Helen made him so happy and they had all sorts of plans for the future, having moved in together just two weeks ago.”
Keiron leaves his partner, Helen, daughter Shania, parents Nigel and Sylvia and a younger brother, Niall. Funeral details have not yet been announced.
Page uploaded: 25th November 2020