‘A wonderful man and a champion of fair play’ – heartfelt tribute to York taxi boss
Keith Hatfield, the highly respected MD of Station Taxis, died on Thursday aged 71. Here his friend and fellow taxi driver Alan Rowley pays tribute
Some men are born to lead and others are happy to follow. Keith Hatfield was a born leader.
He arrived at York Station as a taxi driver. It was easy to see that he was destined for higher office – he became chairman of Station Taxis and quickly introduced several changes which would take the company forward.
He was a great communicator, a negotiator, and someone who you would be happy to have in your corner fighting for the best deal.
Keith possessed a personality which endeared him to many people. He always wanted fair play and went out of his way to fight for this on so many levels.
He gave hours of his time for nothing, attending meetings in the quest to ensure that the people who he represented always had a fair hearing.
I could give so many examples of where Keith has gone over and above the call of duty. One which springs to mind was a railway disaster some years ago when all trains stopped at York and the station was engulfed with hundreds of stranded travellers.
Keith arrived and with an air of complete coolness and authority he ensured that everyone was transported safely away.
A wonderful man who’s birthday party I recently attended, a man who I am happy to be able to say was a friend of mine.
R.I.P Keith, gone but certainly not forgotten.