David was born in Slough a much wanted son of Derek and Sheila, a cherished baby brother to Dabbie and I.
At 3 years old , his first West Ham Kit, swallowed him up, He was so diddy, the shirt falling below his knees the flared shorts to his ankles, the cutest football boots ever and he wore the cheekiest grin on his face...he was smitten. There followed a lifetime of Love and loyal support in good times and bad. From all corners of the world he rarely missed a match.
I am certain there are very few of you watching today, that are unaware Tids lived and breathed West Ham United. His passion, never gave way to disappointment, he celebrated a win, and wept with them when they lost.
This was David. With each of us. Once you had captured his heart, he was loyal, he would cheer you on from the sidelines, or on the pitch, he would smile when you were winning, and weep with you if you felt lost.
When Dave was 6, dad started up a local under 7’s team, with his friend Jim Watson, so both their football mad sons could play. Jim immediately called Dave Tiddler, as he was so small among his peers, his mates soon shortened it to the infamous nickname Tids.
He was fast, he had skills, he loved playing with his team mates, some he always kept in touch with and are equally devastated that he is no longer with us.
Our parents divorced when he was 12, he was shaken a little but not stirred. In true Dave style he accepted that live had hiccups, big and small. He was always a glass half full kind of guy, and constantly looked for the silver linings in every dark cloud.
He wasn’t ready to study and left Southam high, with very few CSE’s.
He was always keen to work to earn enough for the things he needed, he started a successful window cleaning business with his mate Kev. Many jobs followed, in Southam and then Slough. He enjoyed living with our dear grandparents before surrendering to the itch to travel.
He took off, first Europe, then ended up on the Greek island Zante, loving life in the sun, working as a barman. He met his friend Andy, and followed him back to Clitheroe, the rest is history.
There he fell in love with not one but two beautiful girls, Catherine, and her mini me, Danielle, her cute 2 year old.
He stayed and got a job on the production line at 3M.
Smitten, 5 years later they married in 1996, by then a wonderful family of 4. Katie completed the family in 2001. Dave adored all three of his children, and was undoubtedly the best dad, I know. He was never more content than spending time with them all, and was proud of all they did. They know this as he never stopped telling them.
Tid's recognised To support his growing family, he would need to study, for a new career.
With Catherine’s support, Looking after the household, whilst working full time herself, he embarked on an open university degree at 32, and graduated as a scientist at 37.
He was the only One in our family to get a degree, and we were all very proud. His graduation day was an overwhelming moment for our mum.
Shortly after Katie was born they moved here to Read, where Catherine had grown up.
Their Daughter, Danielle and family live next door but one.
The Turners are part of the fabric of Read, their generous and caring hearts, have Blessed so many, and so many of you have Blessed them.
A close knit community, around the hub of the cricket club, suited Tid’s contented lifestyle.
His home, his family, all of you friends, West Ham and...the sun..His favourite things.
They both worked hard so they could enjoy at least two holidays a year, and when they knew time may be limited, they crammed in even more adventures making precious memories.
From camping...I think that was just the once in a tent..there was torrential rain, Catherine sent me a desperate text, saying where is Noah when you need him, to caravan holidays, Ibiza, Turkey, Florida and idyllic cruises.
Tid’s was never happier than in the sun. When the sun came out so did the deckchair. From sunrise to sunset, he loved soaking up the rays.
A few years ago, Mark his beloved brother in law, and Pammy moved to a luxury home in Florida. Catherine, Dave, family, and many friends joined them on many incredible holidays.
Fishing on their private jetty, his own dock of the bay, sipping a cool beer whilst gliding in the ocean on their beautiful motor boat, watching dolphins leaping and dancing in the sea, alongside the boat, laughing, chatting, soaking up those important rays, Tid’s at his happiest.
Catherine and Tid’s home has always been a hub of love and laughter, everyone made to feel welcome, always someone popping by, before Covid of course.
Whilst everyone was wondering what was going on early last year, Dave was enjoying the unprecedented early sunshine, in their safe bubble with Dan and family, chillin in the garden with his 2metre tickling stick to keep the boys at a safe distance. Precious memories made, special quality time together.
6 and a half years ago our worlds were shattered, when Dave was first diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer. His journey has been inspirational to all of us, and those he met in the way.
No amount of chemo, radiotherapy, immunotherapy was too much for him, his strength in the fight to live as long as he could, for his beloved family, was evident every step of the way.
He never lost hope, no matter how tough it got, he never stopped smiling.
Tid’s continued to bring joy and laughter to us all, daily. So many of the hundreds of comments on Facebook talk About Dave being one of the loveliest people they have ever met...how he made them laugh at work every day, he was kind, upbeat, fun, loyal, respected, respectful, he never gossiped, but saw the best in everyone, never envied, never boasted, humble to the last. He definitely ticked every box of 1 Corinthians 13. He loved perfectly.
He was also a cryer, one of his most beautiful traits. For years saying goodbye to mum, they would hug and cry, then laugh as he knew we were all watching...ready to tease, with great fondness of course.
He cried seeing his beautiful bride, and when he thought of giving Danielle away on her wedding day, and when she announced she was expecting their first grandchild, when Matt made his debut as an extra in Waterloo Road, then on his graduation day at Exeter, as a radiographer., Katie’s first day at school up to her getting a great apprenticeship leading to a degree with the local council. Joes first goal, Oliver’s first smile...so many tears of joy over the years.
We both cried as we said goodbye these past few months, not knowing if it would be the last. Tears of love. Pure love.
My favourite tears were when he laughed so hard, he cried. Often. Years of giggles, usually in inappropriate moments.
Comments
Post a Comment