RNLI volunteer fondly remembered

Volunteers at Littlehampton RNLI have paid tribute to long-serving volunteer David Dawson, who tragically died in a road accident last month.

David, 83, was remembered to be a hugely popular figure at the RNLI, who held numerous volunteer roles at the boathouse including shop volunteer, boathouse manger and latterly as a member of the visits team.

The RNLI said David will be remembered for his infectious smile, inexhaustible knowledge of the RNLI and his friendly interaction with everyone who visited the lifeboat station.

Nick White, Littlehampton RNLI’s lifeboat operations manager, said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of David’s death.

“He was a regular presence at our lifeboat station where he held several roles.

“He was cheerful and liked a chuckle – and took boathouse banter in his stride. We’ll miss him.

“Our thoughts are with his family, and with the families of the other victims of this awful accident.” David leaves his two sons, four grandchildren and sister. David was involved in a collision in Cowfold involving three vehicles just before 11.30am on Monday, March 28.

His funeral was held at Worthing Crematorium on Friday, April 22.

In a statement, his family said: “David was a much-loved father to his two sons, grandfather to his four grandchildren, brother, and a popular friend to all those who knew him.

“He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

“A retired property manager, avid golfer at Worthing Golf Club, and a lifelong Sheffield United supporter, he was for many years a volunteer at the RNLI station in Littlehampton.

“He enjoyed sport and big band music, and was a listener and supporter of the Ronnie Smith Big Band.”

Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage of the incident to email: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quoting Operation Banwell.