Tributes paid to Bexhill man who 'lived his life to the full'

David Daniel Hammond, who worked for a number of businesses in the town, died at the age of 89.

His youngest daughter Vanessa described him as a man who ‘loved his life and lived it to the full’.

David was born in Bexhill in April 1931.

At the age of 18, he was called up for national service and stayed on in the Army where he fought in the Korean War.

Many years later, he was recognised for his service when he and his fellow Comrades were invited back to Korea to be thanked for their years of service.

On return to Bexhill, David worked for local authorities at Egerton park (parks and gardens), the De La Warr Pavilion (back stage scenery hand), before opening his own business with

Beaky Mitchell – the Ninfield Road Service station for mechanics, in Sidley, which later became Hammond Auto’s for 25 years until he retired.

David had two daughter – Susan and Vanessa – and a number of grandchildren.

Vanessa Deacy, paying tribute to her dad, said: “Our dad was amazing. He loved his life and lived it to the full, right up to his last year until dementia and cancer slowed him down and eventually took his life away.

“Also a grandad to many grandchildren who have many fond memories, from road trips to France and outings to the pub, he was their real life Del Boy who they loved very much.

“Dave (Dad) had many close mates/boy’os of which he always helped out for a tot of whiskey.

“He had many hobbies, including driving, Speedway and go-karting.”

In his latter years, David was the standard bearer for The Korean Veteran Association and then the British Legion and would march with pride every Remembrance Day.

Vanessa added: “He will be greatly missed by many people.

“There will be a guard of honour at his funeral on June 18th from the Bexhill and District Veteran Association.

“A big thank you to all the staff at St Vincents Residential Home for keeping (Dad) safe and comfortable for his last year.”

Due to lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions, David’s family will be holding a celebration of his life at Bexhill British Legion at a later date.