Sudden death of town stalwart

David, who lived with his wife Gillian in Arlington Avenue, Goring, died in Worthing Hospital early on Monday morning after suffering two strokes. He was aged 67.

In addition to his work as a Goring councillor, David was renowned for his involvement with a host of local organisations and charities.For several years he had been the Goring correspondent for the Herald's Parish Pump feature.Although David was a councillor for less than two years, he made a big impact on both his Tory colleagues and the council's Liberal Democrats with his warm, outgoing personality and his care for others in the community.

Council leader Sheila Player said she was "really upset" at this "tragic loss", and Tory group leader Steve Waight said David's "solid, common sense approach" would be sorely missed.David was also a Worthing magistrate for 29 years and the magistrates' chairman, Rosemary Titley, told the Herald that she and her colleagues were going to miss him "very much". His son James said on Tuesday: "He had a great community spirit. He was so community-minded and he had a great care for the local community."

David suffered a stroke on Saturday evening when he was driving his wife Gillian home from the Cobham home of their daughter Alexandra. Earlier that day they had been test driving a Jaguar at Loseley Park, near Guildford, a reflection of David's enthusiasm for fast cars. But they were only a hundred yards or so from their home when the stroke occurred.

David was taken to Worthing Hospital where, at first, he appeared to be stable. But on Sunday morning he suffered a second, massive stroke and he died just after midnight.He had been suffering from a heart condition for several years.

Chingford-born David moved with his family to Worthing when he was 13 and attended the former Worthing Boys High School. He then embarked on a banking career with Barclays and, on his retirement 14 years ago, he was in a senior position at the head office in Juxon House, St Paul's Churchyard.

David was a special constable before his appointment as a JP to the former Worthing Magistrates Bench, which two years ago became part of the Sussex Western Bench. His community interests included Help the Aged, Lionel House Trust, St Mary's Church, Goring (where he was a churchwarden for three years), Shopmobility and Muscular Dystrophy. Just before his death he had been asked to go on the board of Ashmount Residential Home.

Away from his community work, David's interests included fishing, furniture making and working with wood generally, fast cars and his family, particularly his four adored grandchildren.

His sporting activities included membership of the former Worthing Amateur Boat Club and latterly Worthing Rowing Club. He also played rugby for the Old Azurians club.

Among the tributes paid to David was one from Richard Waller, chairman of Goring Residents' Association."David did so much for Goring. He was particularly interested in the well-being of the parish and protection of the greensward and the Goring Gap.We will miss him for all these things, especially as a friend," said Mr Waller.

When the Herald broke the news of his death to Shelia Player, she said: "I am really upset. This is a tragic loss.

"He was one of the most dedicated of the councillors and this is a great loss to the council." Steve Waight said: "I am surprised and saddened that David was taken from us at such short notice. He had not been on the council for that long but he had made a considerable input. He was always extremely kind and courteous and his solid, common sense approach will be sadly missed by all of us. He had a very good record as a ward councillor and was very pro-active in the ward." Magistrates' chairman Rosemary Titley said: "He was a valuable member of the bench and was chairman for three years from 1997 to the end of 2000. We are going to miss him very much."

The funeral arrangements had not been announced by the time the Herald went to press. It will be a private funeral and a memorial service will be held at Goring Parish Church. For more details, contact the St Mary's parish office on 01903 242525, or the family home on 01903 244771.