Bognor Regis stalwart and 'local celebrity' was 'once in a lifetime person'

Father-of-three David Garforth, who had six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, died last Thursday (December 3), at the age of 90, in Bognor, where he had lived for more than 50 years.

Having ran Garforth’s Hardware for 40 years, initially in West Meads before moving to the High Street in the 1980s, David was also a ‘key figure’ in the twinning of Bognor Regis and St. Maur Des Fosse. David raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years and was involved in the fundraising and construction of West Meads Hall, whilst he was an entertainer with the West Meads Players for a decade.

David was part of the Bognor Regis Rotary Club for 30 years and was also a key figure for the London and Southern Counties British Hardware Federation, for which he served as chairman.

He was a regular entrant in the illuminations gala, winning many prizes. He also 'single handedly' restored a 1932 Standard 12 'from a wreck' into a regular feature at 'all the local classic car shows'.

James Girling, who, like his mother, followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by serving his country in the Royal Air Force, said David was a 'huge character', who 'would give his time for anything'.

He added: “You couldn’t wish for a better friend, father, grandfather or great-grandfather. He was amazing and incredibly generous. He was incredibly skilled as well. He didn’t need anyone for anything.

“He was genuinely a once in a lifetime person. He was just incredible.”

James said his service in the RAF became a 'source of immense pride' for his 'incredibly patriotic' grandfather.

Born in West London in 1930, David was an only child and he was called up, in 1948, for national service. He was posted to Singapore, where he served in the Korean War.

Upon his return to the UK, he ran one of the first legal bookmakers in the country. David developed a love for music and acting, through which he met his wife and ‘love of his life’ Jean in 1960.

David and Jean, described by James as 'two of the most altruistic, unselfish people you could ever have met', married in 1962 before moving to Camberley in Surrey and then to West Meads in Bognor. They also, twice, travelled the world together.

David died last week, seven years after his wife’s passing.

James said: “He was a very well known name in Bognor and made a huge positive contribution for the benefit of all residents. He was a local celebrity.

"It has become very apparent from all the different people who have got in touch with us, how well loved he was and how much an effect he had on people’s lives.

“He had been ill for a while but still maintained that spirit. He was the same bloke right up until the end.”

A private family cremation will be held on December 17 but people are invited to make a donation to St Wilfred’s Hospice via Kevin Holland Funeral Service.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.

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