Anthony David Poole, known as Dave, was born in Luddington to Fred and Kathleen, one of four sons. He was the second eldest, Cliff the first. Gordon and Jeff were his two younger brothers. He first started working on the farms in Luddington village, tending to chickens and crops. Luddington is the place Dave has called home for most of his life, moving only to Scunthorpe very briefly when he met Margaret Clegg, his soon-to-be wife. They met working at the co-op together in the town. Margaret worked in the dairy section and Dave was a driver. They were married in 1968, then had their first child, Colette. Coinciding with their second child’s birth, Carl, Dave and his new family moved back to Luddington to begin their village life. He later secured a job at vac-u-lug tyres. After driving for a short period, he was offered a place in the sales department and proved to be a big success. Dave, enjoying his role here, advanced in the company to become a manager for several depots in Leeds, Haydock and Manchester. He spent his working day driving along the M62 motorway, but always came back home to Luddington to be with his family. He made several lifelong friends at work - Billy, John, Sam and Malcolm, and occasionally, would make a work trip up to Scotland with them, enjoying touring around the country visiting customers. These friendships remained strong throughout his whole life. Dave always had a positive attitude with work, and was very hardworking, providing a safe, comfortable space for his family. Always making sure to make time for a family holiday every year. 

Dave semi-retired from work at around 60 years old but still proved to be highly successful to companies, working a few days a week to visit customers until his retirement at 80. Dave adored many animals but dogs always had a special place in his heart. He had three, long-living dogs that he cared deeply for, and enjoyed walking them around the fields of Luddington, come wind, rain or shine. Shire horses also had a special place in his heart, and would always drag the family around to watch shows! He also loved gardening and golf and watching sports on the TV, especially Manchester United! 

When his grandchildren Cara, Max, Sophie and Katie were born, he and Margaret would pick them up from school, take them out on day trips to the beach and were always there to help out. This is what inspired them both to buy a caravan at Bridlington, for all the family and friends to enjoy. After a few years of Dave losing Margaret in 2011, Curly moved into the village and they became good friends, helped each other and enjoyed an afternoon cuppa. He also made new friends when joining the indoor bowls at Garthorpe and the weekly Victoriana. 

As many know, Dave loved routine. He was up at seven every morning, not a minute later and would enjoy his daily walk around the village. He always watched Countryfile on Sunday and the food shop had to be done at either Sainsburys or M&S and he never missed an episode of Emmerdale, preferring to sit happy and relaxed with his cup of tea, one sugar, made by somebody else because it wasn’t in his job to boil the kettle! Without doubt, his greatest entertainment on the TV was Dad’s Army which he must have watched thousands of times over the years! 

We are here to celebrate Dave as a dad, father in law, grandad, brother, uncle, cousin,neighbour and a dear friend to many. The words we will always use to describe Dave, that we’ve heard even more so over the last few weeks, are kind, generous and a true gentleman. We can take comfort in remembering Dave that he has left a perfect example to everyone who has met him of how to live a life of honour and integrity.