Dick White

Dick was always at the heart of the community, a man you could rely on – always helping someone with something; friends, family and strangers alike. It was clear how well loved and respected he was by the extraordinary amount of people who lined the streets of South Molton to pay their respects as he left his home for the last time on the 18^th December 2020. A proud husband, dad, stepdad, grandad, great grandad, brother uncle and friend to so many, he would never have expected the send-off he received or even realise the enormous positive impact he had on so many lives.

Dick grew up in Chittlehampton in a large family; some of his closest friends are those he grew up with. He had always loved cars and learnt his trade at Locks garage in North Molton as a teenager, before a few years later starting his own business DW Bodyworks. Throughout his life, Dick supported many local charities and clubs. An active and sporty man, he played football for local clubs and ran 10k races and a half marathon to raise money. He also spent many years as a committee member at North Molton Sports Club, voluntarily maintaining the football and cricket pitches, and running the clubhouse and bar, a taste of things to come. Described fondly by one of his friends as a ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ Dick went on to referee many local football matches across North Devon.  He was a pioneer of the ladies’ game in North Devon; managing North Molton ladies for many years. He also had a passion for motorsport; locally, he often drove the opening and closing course cars for North Devon Motor Club road rallies in his beloved Opel Manta, and nationally keenly following the British stages World Rally Championship with friends and family.

Dick had always loved serving drinks from behind a bar, and his dream was realised when he and his wife Jane bought The New Inn, in South Molton.  A decade of fun, fundraising, fancy dress and karaoke were to follow. After selling the pub Dick went on to manage the bar at South Molton Rugby Club and finally became bar steward at the Conservative Club.

He will be missed by so many of the people he met over the years but will live on in their hearts and memories.