It is with sadness, but also with deep thanksgiving and Christian hope, that we share the news that our dear brother Keith Sholl passed into glory on the morning of 4th May 2026.
Keith had been unwell for several weeks as his heart failure worsened, though his passing came suddenly to the family. His daughter Heather shared the comforting words:
“I know he is rejoicing with the angels, in the loving arms of his Saviour and reunited with my dear mum.”
As believers, we rejoice in the assurance that Keith is now at peace with the Lord he faithfully loved and served throughout his life.
A Faithful Member of the Fellowship
Keith was a long-standing and deeply valued member of the Fellowship from the early 1980’s. Over many decades he faithfully served both locally and nationally, always with humility, wisdom and a genuine heart for people.
He served as with many roles over the years, President at St Austell, National Director for the South West Region, a faithful member and leader within the West Cornwall Fellowship and advisor to many.
Keith played a significant role in supporting and strengthening the work in Cornwall, helping to encourage and guide many men in their walk with Christ.
Many members will remember Keith from conferences and gatherings across the country, where his warmth, sincerity and gentle encouragement touched countless lives.
David Reading (South Central Regional Director) reflected:
“That is sad news for us and his family, but for Keith Sholl it is a time of rejoicing.”
A Rich Christian Heritage
Keith’s faith journey was deeply rooted in a strong Christian family heritage.
Although born in Edgware, London, his family history had strong connections to Devon and Cornwall. His great-grandfather was a miner, local preacher and later a Wesleyan minister, while Keith’s father also served in ministry.
Around thirty years after his birth, Keith and his beloved wife Vivian made the decision to move to Cornwall. First living in the Clay Country before eventually settling in Porthleven, where they faithfully worshipped together at The Apostolic Church.
While Keith was raised in a Christian home and attended church faithfully from childhood. Even during his National Service in the Royal Navy, he later shared how he came to know Jesus Christ personally as his Saviour.
After marrying Vivian and settling in Cornwall, Keith was challenged by Christian friends about his relationship with God and his need for personal salvation.
In his own testimony, Keith described the transforming moment:
“I asked for forgiveness… and suddenly I knew my sins were forgiven, as the burdens of my heart rolled away.”
From that point onwards, Keith and Vivian began to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, growing in fellowship with other believers and learning what it meant to truly place Christ first in every part of life.
A Life Marked by Praise and Trust
One of the books that greatly influenced Keith’s life was Prison to Praise by Merlin Carothers, which taught the importance of thanking God in every situation and trusting Him through every circumstance.
Keith took deeply to heart the scriptures:
- “Rejoice evermore”
- “Pray without ceasing”
- “Give thanks in all situations”
These verses became more than words to him, they became a way of life.
Even in difficulty, illness and uncertainty, Keith sought to praise God and encourage others to trust in Him.
Keith often shared the remarkable testimony of a serious car accident on a wet and windy Cornish road.
While overtaking a coach at speed, his car lost control and crashed violently into a granite Cornish hedge. Before rolling and ending upside down in the road. The vehicle was crushed so severely that even the scrap dealer couldn’t identify the make of the car.
In the split second before impact, Keith later recalled having two thoughts:
“This is it.” And “Thank you Lord.”
Miraculously, despite the devastating accident, Keith crawled from the wreckage completely unharmed.
Those who arrived at the scene could scarcely believe he had survived, let alone escaped without injury. Keith always saw this as a powerful reminder of God’s protection and grace upon his life.
Strength Through Serious Illness
Keith also faced major health battles later in life, enduring multiple heart attacks over several years.
On his 63rd birthday in 2001, he was admitted to hospital following another serious heart attack. Doctors discovered that two arteries were completely blocked and the third was 90% blocked. His condition became critical, complicated further by MSRA infection and extreme weakness.
Yet even through this difficult period, Keith spoke of experiencing the peace and presence of God as he continued to praise and thank Him constantly.
Eventually he was transferred for emergency bypass surgery. Though the operation carried great risk, it was successful, and even the surgeon’s expressed amazement at how well he came through.
Keith simply stated “God still wanted me here”, and the surgeon had to agree.
A Man Who Encouraged Others
Through the Fellowship and through his personal witness, Keith continually encouraged people to come to know Jesus Christ for themselves.
He loved sharing testimonies of God’s goodness, healing, deliverance and faithfulness. More than anything, he wanted people to experience the love, forgiveness and eternal life found in Christ.
His life reflected steady faith, servant-hearted leadership, humility, perseverance and compassion for others.
Giving Thanks for Keith’s Life
Today we give thanks for a life faithfully lived for Jesus Christ.
Keith leaves behind a wonderful legacy of faith, encouragement and service that has touched many lives throughout Cornwall and beyond.
While we mourn his passing, we also rejoice in the assurance that he is now safely home with the Lord he loved so dearly.
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Heather and all the family at this time.