Obituary: Raymond Keith Harrison
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Raymond Keith “Keith” Harrison, President of Madron Old Cornwall Society passed away recently at Treliske hospital.
His involvement in the Old Cornwall movement stretched far beyond Madron: he was a past Chairman and committee member of St Buryan Old Cornwall Society, a member of Hayle OCS, St Just OCS, St Penzance OCS, and a familiar and welcome guest lecturer to numerous Cornish societies and institutes. His decades‑long dedication to preserving and sharing Cornish history made him a respected and cherished presence wherever he went.
Keith was a Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, and took such joy and pride in his Bardship, he was a much‑loved figure across the Cornish heritage community.
A man of wide talents and lifelong service, Keith’s professional career as a medical and surgical artist took him from Manchester to Scandinavia, the USA, Australia, and even to humanitarian work in an Iranian‑Iraq refugee camp during the First Gulf War. In Cornwall, he was known not only for his heritage work but also for his artistic teaching, his contributions to local choirs, and his long service as a senior watchkeeper with the National Coastwatch Institution at Gwennap Head.
Keith devoted more than fifty years to the study of Cornish numismatics and medallic history, becoming curator and owner of what is believed to be the largest collection of Cornish mining tokens, millers’ sack tokens, public house checks, and related material. His knowledge, generosity, and enthusiasm enriched countless talks, exhibitions, and community events.
Above all, Keith was a kind, gentle, and steadfast man who gave his time freely and believed deeply in safeguarding Cornwall’s story. His passing leaves a great gap in the Old Cornwall family and in the many communities he served.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Fiona and to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace, and may his lifelong work for Cornwall continue to inspire others.