Past Master Christopher Laing said of Keith Christopher White:
“Keith White was a tremendous support to Diana and me during our time in office as Master and Mistress of The Paviors and so I was pleased when the Clerk to the Paviors approached me to say a few words about his Pavior life at this service.
Indeed, Keith was a good friend to all those who involved themselves in the Company and never missed the opportunity to offer words of encouragement and advice. We will all remember his dry sense of humour and cheeky grin so often in evidence.
Keith joined the Paviors in 1966 and waited 35 years before taking office as Master, but it was during his term that great moves forward were made to enhance the charitable giving of the Company, with various sections being tasked to enrol support of the members to generate funds and camaraderie for the benefit of our chosen charities.
Together with John Cruse and Peter Gell he was a part of the trio that reformed and revitalised the Company, shaking off some of the more staid aspects to offer itself as a respected part of City life and an essential entry in the CV’s of many members of the construction industry.
It is fair to say that this threesome transformed the Paviors Company from an entertaining form of dining club into a positive and thriving organisation. Peter Gell in his year was the strategist, John Cruse in his was the tactician and then Keith brilliantly completed the reformation. I think it is fair to say that it was as a result of their joint efforts that Robin Wilson, in his year, finally secured the Royal Charter.
Keith’s memory in the Paviors lives on because it was through his generosity that the Master’s gown was achieved and indeed this gown has this year undergone some refurbishment and modernisation – with a collar of faux fur being added – but it is still the brightest gown in town!
I know that I speak for all members of the Company when I say that he will be missed greatly but the memory of his life with the Paviors will endure for many a year.”