TRIBUTES have been paid to a train driver who died following 42 years of service in the maritime industry.

Eastleigh depot and Southampton Maritime terminal driver Keith Canning, from Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, died of lung cancer one year before he planned to retire.

The 64-year-old, known as “Toasty”, started working as a railway guard in Salisbury in the early 1980s, before going on to do a driving course to become a train driver.

Now, tributes have been paid to the avid motorcyclist.

Daily Echo:

A statement from his colleagues at Eastleigh Depot and Southampton Maritime Terminal said: “Keith (Toasty) Canning was 64 years old.

“Lots of people have worked with him since the late 70s. We call him Toasty because he wouldn’t come out and do any work until he had his toast in the morning.

“He started his railway career at Salisbury as a guard in the early 80s, and started a driving course at Stonebridge Park in the early 90s.

“He was a guard at Salisbury along with [train driver] Les Parish. They went to Stonehenge Park in 1988 for their drivers jobs.

Daily Echo:

Keith (second from left) with his work colleagues

"They spent time at Wilsden High Level station doing the Woolwich to Richmond work before being used on the Class 92 test trains to Dollands Moor and working liners to Crewe and Ipswich, etc.

“Finally, he came to Southampton, and was an avid motorcyclist and Swindon Town fan. He was very easy-going, quiet and well-respected guy on the railway.

“Many younger drivers respected him a lot as he gave them advice. He wouldn’t have liked all this fuss.

“A lot of train drivers are like that in the community - if one of our own passes, we all come together.

Daily Echo:

This name plate will be shown on trains coming out of Southampton to Eastleigh

“He was going to work until 65 and then retire. He didn’t get to enjoy his retirement.

“He was a happy-go-lucky guy and one of life’s gentlemen. He will be sadly missed by all.”

Keith's funeral takes place today at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Southampton, with colleagues meeting at 11am at Bishopstoke Bridge, Eastleigh.