The shooting community has lost one of its most distinctive and influential figures with the passing of Patrick Keen on 3 November 2025. As co-founder of Gunmark – now known worldwide as GMK – and an early pioneer behind the Singlepoint sight, Patrick played a central role in shaping the modern sporting gun trade. His impact was felt not only through the companies he built, but through the knowledge, energy and warmth he brought to every corner of the industry.
Patrick’s life was grounded in a spirit of adventure from the very beginning. Born into a family with deep military heritage, including a father involved in intelligence work, his early childhood in Quetta and later upbringing among the hills of Herefordshire fostered in him a love of the outdoors and, in particular, a lifelong passion for shooting. That enthusiasm followed him into the Army when he joined the Royal Hampshire Regiment in 1962. His service years were marked by extraordinary experiences, including leading an expedition through the Amazon rainforest and becoming the first team to reach the King George VI Falls overland. He qualified as a Tiger Moth pilot, completed a free-fall parachuting course and endured the harsh conditions of an SAS outward-bound programme in Norway.
Patrick represented Great Britain in NATO and CENTO rifle shooting competitions, an achievement of which he was especially proud. After leaving the Army he travelled widely, demonstrating the Singlepoint gunsight – then a revolutionary concept – and worked behind the lines in Vietnam alongside Australian and New Zealand special forces. These years produced a wealth of remarkable stories, from encounters with Cayman alligators and bushmasters in the rainforest to flights over the spectacular plateau of Mount Roraima. His ability to recount these moments with humour and precision would later make him a much-loved speaker on cruise liners, at clubs and at charities around the country.
Patrick’s entry into the gun trade formalised what had already been a lifelong commitment to shooting. He was a founding director of Gunmark, now GMK, and was instrumental in establishing the company as an importer of Beretta shotguns into the UK. His commercial understanding and deep knowledge of firearms helped set the foundations for what would become one of the largest distributors in the sector. He also created the John MacNab brand and spent many years exhibiting at the Game Fair, where he was well known for his enthusiasm and willingness to share his expertise with customers and colleagues alike.
Patrick’s appetite for challenge and craftsmanship led him into the world of classic cars. He raced Morgans, taking part in the team that won the 24-hour race at Snetterton, and later claimed the British Sports Car Thoroughbred Championship. His knowledge of historic vehicles saw him work with respected auction houses, including Coys and Bonhams, where he acted as a consultant on high-end marques.
Life on the water provided yet another chapter. Patrick qualified as a Trinity House pilot and, together with his wife Caroline, ran a charter business aboard the Thames sailing barge Kitty and the Baltic schooner Helga in the Solent. Those who knew Patrick speak of a man who thrived on challenge but was equally committed to family, friendship and mentorship. He and Caroline built a home in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where they enjoyed time with their four sons and their grandchildren.
A private family cremation took place on 28 November. A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held on 21 February 2026 on the Isle of Wight, and the family hopes his many friends, colleagues and acquaintances from across the shooting and wider sporting world will be able to attend.
Please contact Caroline Keen at carolinesukeen@gmail.com if you’d like to attend.