Cheery waver Mervyn passes away, aged 74

Mervyn Dove stood outside his bungalow in Rose Green Road, opposite its junction with Carlton Avenue, waving to drivers.

Most would wave back or toot their horns to bring a wave from him.

He also spoke to many pedestrians on their walks.

But his familiar face will no longer be seen following his death last Thursday.

He was 74.

His younger brother, Andrew Dove, said: "Mervyn will be remembered by the many passing motorists for his cheery wave and friendly smile as they travelled along Rose Green Road.

"He was out there most days. He loved people so much. He loved talking. He would stop anybody who came by for a natter."

Mervyn was born in a cottage in Waterloo Road, Felpham. He was one of six brothers and sisters.

He spent the early part of his life in the Roman Catholic church and was educated in a priory at Newbury. He moved on to a monastery just outside Rome.

But he became frail and moved to Rose Green Road to care for his mother.

It was after her death, in the early 1990s, that his habit of waving to passers-by began.

He kept his strong religious faith to the end of his life. He became ill three weeks before his death from a bowel condition. He is survived by three brothers and sisters.

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