Keith Leonard Larsen, who died on January 13, aged 82 years, was a member of three first grade premiership teams with the Ex-Servicemen's club in the 1970s.
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His early cricket was in the Moss Vale association and he ventured over the mountains to Nowra for an under 17 match against Shoalhaven in the summer of 1955-56.
Earning a reputation as an aggressive right-hand bat and useful medium-pace bowler, he embarked on a lengthy representative career with Moss Vale.
Progressing to the Colts, he top-scored with 51 in the clash with Shoalhaven in 1957- 58, and produced a notable double of 81 and 4/39 in the 1960-61 clash.
Throughout the 1960s he regularly performed well with his association seniors, and on at least three occasions he represented the Illawarra Cricket Council in an era when Illawarra players usually dominated.
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Moving to Shoalhaven in time for the 1970-71 season, he joined Ex-Servicemen and had a best knock of 55 against Nowra before his team won the grand final.
His best SDCA score was 67 against Kangaroo Valley in 1971-72, and other premierships came in 1972-73 and 1974-75.
After being in retirement for more than a decade, 47-year-old Keith made a comeback in 1986-87 to play with his son Craig in Nowra thirds.
With a couple of half-centuries, Keith totalled 388 runs for the summer - just ahead of his son - and he was fourth in the association averages.
There was one memorable game against Tomerong at Lyrebird Park where Keith belted seven sixes and one four in 51 - the rest coming in singles; and Craig contributed 42.
However the side lowered its colours to Culburra in the grand final.
According to Graeme Cord, his captain of that season, "Keith was an excellent team-mate, he tried hard but was fair and always appreciated his team-mates' achievements and gave opposition players credit when it was due".
During that season Keith was also coaching Nowra 16s who were joint premiers, and he was a junior selector with the association for five years during the 1980s.
Continuing to support the club, he took on the role of treasurer in 1996-97 and held it for three seasons.
Keith was the beloved husband to Noelene, much loved father and father-in-law to Julie and Saul, Jodie and Michael and Craig and Rachel and cherished Poppy to Tayah and Eva.
The family would like to thank everyone for all the love, support and messages they have received during this difficult time.
