Charles was born in Luton to Aubrey and Pat who were nurserymen with extensive land in Leagrave. He was educated with his brother Peter locally at Moorlands School and subsequently at Bedford School.
He was a keen athlete who enjoyed most sports. After A Levels he was articled to accountants Coopers & Lybrand in Bedford where he was mentored by Tony Marshall.
In 1977 he started Keens Shay Keens firm of accountants in Bedford and over 45 years built not only a loyal client base with so many becoming personal friends but also a staff who he referred to as family.
His office was regarded as his second home, shuffling around in bright socks and slippers and playing cricket down the corridor with his sons.
Charles’s passion was mentoring new businesses. His advice and interest in seeing them succeed was paramount and he made sure he kept in regular contact during their infancy.
He was a keen supporter of the Bedford community and sponsored many local events and charities.
His social life was divided between his love of horses and Luton Town Football Club. He would regularly drive to Newmarket in the early morning to watch the horses ride out and his interest expanded to have many clients in the horseracing world. Consequently, his knowledge was vast and the perfect day for him would be both his horse and Luton Town FC winning.
Charles leaves behind his wife Alyson, three sons and five grandchildren al of whom he was very proud.
A memorial service to celebrate Charles’s life will be held at 1.30pm on 13 December at Bedford School. All welcome.
