Mr. William Keown MBE

MR Bill Keown, of 3 Church View, Dundrum, who died last week, was the founder of the William Keown Trust and a tireless campaigner for people living with a disability. He was 79.

Originally from the Mourne area, Mr. Keown was born with cerebral palsy, which he overcame during a rich and fulfilling life. He did not believe that disability should be a barrier and he inspired others to follow his example.

He was the pioneering businessman behind Keown Knitwear and Dundrum Cottage Industries, which at one time employed more than 300 people working from their homes, as well as a team of machinists at his factory in Dundrum.

He began the business after a prolonged stay in Musgrave Park Hospital in 1957 when he learned to operate a knitting machine as part of his occupational therapy and decided there was a market for hand and machine knitwear.

The business initially operated from premises Kilkeel, but its growth meant the need for larger premises and Mr. Keown moved the business to Dundrum. He was awarded the MBE in 1976 for his services to rural industry in County Down.

The William Keown Trust was begun not long after he received a Spastic Achievement Award in London in 1976 in recognition of his fund-raising work for the Orthopaedic Development Fund.

Over the years the Trust has campaigned tirelessly for the rights of the disabled. It recognises their achievements and also campaigns for improved access to buildings for people with disabilities.

Mr. Keown was comforted and strengthened by his strong religious faith. He was a member of the Kirk Session of Clough Presbyterian Church and played a leading role in the Ruling Elders Fellowship within the Down Presbytery.

He had a keen interest in local politics from an early age. He was a delegate to the Mourne Unionist Association for many years and served as its secretary. He narrowly missed out on being elected to Down District Council in 1977 when he stood as an Ulster Unionist candidate.

His commitment to public service was also evident by being a lay magistrate and a Justice of the Peace. He was also closely involved with Listooder Ploughing Society.

Mr. Keown’s funeral service took place in Mourne Presbyterian Church last Thursday, March 26. He is survived by his loving wife Beth and the family circle.