A tribute from former APRS Chairman, David Hamilton-Smith.

Keith Grant died on 18 June 2012.

He was on his beloved little boat "Boozer" on the river with some of his family when he passed away. He had been in hospital recently but had been allowed home after treatment while he waited for a heart operation that was supposed to happen in a couple of months. My wife Ingunn and I saw him for a pint on the river last Friday lunchtime and he was on top form, so this has come as one helluva shock despite knowing all the ailments he was fighting. He had lost quite a bit of weight in preparation for the operation and we both said he looked as well as we had seen him in recent months. The one consolation is that he was doing what he loved most - messing about on the river!

He was my mentor and I was fortunate that he wanted to hand on his knowledge to an upstart like me - and I am, and will be, eternally grateful. He contrived that almost impossible feat of expecting everyone around him to be a total professional (and demanding more from himself than anyone else) whilst at the same time making work a whole lot of fun. We all loved working for Keith and that enjoyment permeated the building. He had a mind like a steel trap and invented ways of making sounds that were far ahead of their time.

In spite of his obvious prowess in the studio he was always extremely modest about his own abilities and exalted others' achievements. As chief engineer, founder, designer and managing director of Olympic Studios, he ran one of the most successful and famous recording studios anywhere in the world, and yet he was equally enthusiastic about doing tape transfers for anyone who needed them. When it came to his staff Keith was an inspiration: totally professional (despite his dubious dress sense!) and utterly loyal when it came to backing us up. This instilled a mutual respect and, yes, love that is hard to find in today's corporate marketplace.

However, he was so much more than just a great engineer and boss: he was my friend, my older brother, my confidante, and the rock who was always there in the background encouraging me.

The world has lost one of its true originals. I, for one, will miss him every day of the rest of my life.

Keith Grant was made an APRS Fellow in 2007 and took part in many APRS events over the years, recounting wonderful tales of his life in the industry, which he loved, in his own inimitable style.

Our thoughts are with Keith's wife, Jenny, and the family.