A free-flowing batsman, Keith ‘Scotty’ Conner, as he was affectionately known, loved sport, taking part in soccer, hockey, cricket and rugby.
NORTHERN Cape Cricket announced the passing of one of the union’s former cricketers, Keith Conner, who passed away in a hospital in Kimberley on Friday 8 May at the age of 70.
A free-flowing batsman, Conner or “Scotty”, as he was affectionately known, was a pupil at William Pescod High School where he displayed his sporting abilities in soccer, hockey, cricket and rugby. He went on to play cricket for Beaconsfield Wanderers and rugby for Arabian College Rugby Football Club. He excelled in both these sports.
Scotty later joined the Pirates Cricket Club where he teamed up with the late Devereaux Visser, Ron Engelbrecht, Michael Doherty, Thomas Whitten, Rodney Grey and others. A top order batsman he also bowled handy off-spin for the team.
Azies Alexander from Arabian College paid tribute to his friend and former teammate.
“Keith Conner was at school when he joined Arabian College Rugby Football Club, he played flyhalf with the safest pair of hands and was able to kick with either foot. He was able to read the game and was also able to stop the biggest of opponents in their tracks with some very solid tackling. Boeta Keith also represented Griqualand West Rugby on many occasions and was the regular choice as flyhalf from the early to mid-1970’s,” Alexander said.
“My condolences to his family.”
Keith then went on to play Provincial cricket in the late 1970s.
Keith is survived by his wife Denise, children Nerina and Radley and their families. Denise was also an accomplished sportswoman, participating in hockey at Provincial level and golf in her later years.
CEO of Northern Cape Cricket Eugene Jacobs also paid tribute, speaking on behalf of the wider sporting fraternity.
“On behalf of Northern Cape Cricket and the sporting community at large, we express our sincere condolences to Denise, Nerina, Radley and the Conner and Alexander families on the sad loss of a husband, father, grandfather and friend. The sporting community is the poorer for the passing of Scotty, a cricketer, rugby player and ardent golfer.
“Prayers and fond memories are what we will remember Scotty with. We pray for comfort for the family at this time. May his soul rest in peace,” Jacobs said.
