Memories of a special man

David Garner of Biggleswade passed away last Friday at Lister Hospital in Stevenage following a short illness.

A born and bred Biggleswade man, David was known for running the Mayflower Social Club in the town with his wife June and a five-strong committee.

He was also a member of the Clifton Amateur Dramatic Society and volunteered as a tour guide for the Chicksands Priory and the Charles Wells brewery in Bedford.

David was born in Hitchin Street, Biggleswade and attended the former school in Rose Lane. After leaving school he worked at the former Smart and Brown factory in Biggleswade and later at Berkeley Coachworks in the town, where he was employed as a French polisher.

He was later to serve in the RAF for three years at a base in Germany. On completion of his service David joined Bedfordshire Police as a PC based in Bedford, serving for two years.

He later worked as a service rep at the former Spring Grove Laundry in Shefford.

David worked at the laundry for 25 years before joining Barings, where he assessed whether people qualified for subsidised insulation.

After leaving Barings he became a night manager and receptionist at the Travelodge Hotel on the A1 near Stotfold, before taking on a role as a security guard at the former Weatherley-Cincinnati site in Biggleswade.

In his spare time he enjoyed refereeing non-league football across Beds, drawing and making wooden models.

A family man, David is survived by his wife June, his son Jeremy, daughter Jacqueline, grandchildren Lisa and Ross and great-grandson Harry.

His family have paid tribute to a man who was always kind, good-humoured and generous to everyone he knew.

June said: “He was always very giving and nothing was a problem for him.”

David’s funeral will be held on Monday, April 7 at Bedford Crematorium at 11.30am. There will be a wake at the St Andrew’s Church Chapter House in Biggleswade at 1pm.