Death of inspirational Pale Rider creator Dave Wickett
By: JimOldfield
May 22nd, 2012
Inspirational brewer Dave Wickett, who is credited with founding the Sheffield real ale scene, died last week aged 64, after a two-year battle against bone cancer.
Dave founded the award-winning Kelham Island Brewery, whose ales are known across the country – and also owned the equally-famous, adjoining Fat Cat pub in the Kelham Island area of the city.
Originally from London, Dave came to Sheffield to study at the university, graduating in 1976 and becoming a keen Sheffield United follower.
He settled in the city, lecturing in economics lecturing and teaching until 1990, when he launched the brewery – having already taken over the Fat Cat in 1981.
In 2004, Kelham Island’s Pale Rider was named Champion Beer of Britain at CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival. Dave leaves a wife, Helen, and 21-year-old son, Edward. The funeral arrangements are as yet unannounced
