REVEREND Richard Keith is experiencing the full wave of emotions when it comes to leaving Leeton.
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On one hand, he’s ready and excited for a change, but on the other he knows just how much he will miss the town he and his family have called home for 18 years.
Richard has been the reverend at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church since coming to Leeton in April, 2000.
His final service will be on February 11 and he was fully aware just how much the town had impacted on his life.
Coming from Sydney with his three children (Daniel, Ben and Hannah) and wife Karen was an adjustment to start with, but Leeton found its way into their hearts.
Richard was looking for a change and is now looking forward to taking is skills and gifts to Corowa, a town that has been without a Presbyterian minister for two years.
“I have loved every minute of it here … my kids have grown up here,” he said.
“Although none of them were born here, it’s the only home they know and remember.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to connect with the new community and get involved there like we have here.”
Residents would know Richard from not just his role in the church, but through his involvement with sport over the years, particularly with the Phantoms Cricket Club.
He said he would miss his time on and off the field with the club and its members as he looked back fondly on his time with them.
Richard has many fond memories of Leeton, as well as some sad times.
He said one of the hardest duties as a reverend was conducting a funeral for a loved family member or friend in the community.
“There’s good times and hard times (in this role),” Richard said.
“The deaths and struggles … they kind of hit me hard. Especially when you know them. You grieve with the families.
“So, I’ve always tried to enjoy the high points as well. The weddings and baptisms, the good times. You certainly aren’t sheltered. You see people in their toughest and their happiest moments.”
Richard said he would miss the people of Leeton the most.
“It’s family you know … it will be hard, but we won’t be far away,” he said.
To date there is no replacement for Richard at St Andrew’s, but the search has started for either a minister for is looking for a tree change or a recent graduate.
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Another fond memory for Richard will be is time spent in schools teaching scripture.
He was hopeful those lessons taught would be remembered by those students during their tough and challenging times if they aren’t able to attend church.
During the past 18 years, Richard has seen Leeton grow, change and flourish.
“It’s a resilient community … my first 10 years here was the drought, so I’ve seen that first hand,” he said.
“The thing that impresses me still to today is the resilience and the entrepreneurship here. Leeton has a good spirit.”
A formal farewell will be held for Richard on Friday night and residents have been encouraged to turn out for is final service at St Andrew’s on February 11.