TRIBUTES have been paid to a well respected former policeman known by generations of local people.

David (Dai) Davies, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 6, aged 74 years.

Originally from Wales, Dave spent his early working life as a butcher, firstly in Germany and then, after marrying his wife Kay in 1973, at Jackson’s supermarket after the couple chose to settle in Norton.

Following the births of their two girls, Ellen and Bethan, Dave joined the police where he was stationed in Malton for 30 years. His daughter Ellen said her father had enjoyed being a local police officer.

“The house quickly became known as the unofficial Norton police station, so much so that people would drop found property off, including, on one occasion, an enormous stray dog who sadly escaped as Dave tried to walk it to Malton police station.”

Dave won numerous awards for this role as a community constable and was nominated by his inspector to be considered for an MBE for services to the community.

In 2005 Dave and Kay retired together and the following year Kay left for Cambodia to teach children at Hope International School.

Dave worked for a few months at Norton College and later that year joined Kay in Phnom Penh and was offered a job at Hope School, too, where he was employed as the Human Resources manager

Sadly Kay passed away in her sleep in April 2007. However, Dave decided he would stay on in Phnom Penh where he met Sue, who had come from New Zealand to teach at Hope School. 
They married in 2008 and six months later returned to the UK to live and settled together in Norton.
Dave worked part-time for Malcom and Kay Thomas delivering milk for a short time and then worked for Ian Beecham delivering prescriptions to people in Norton, Malton and Ryedale.
Ellen said: “He volunteered at the Hope Central Cafe and he helped out with the Besom organisation.
“Dad loved being part of the Elim Ryedale Church Worship group, singing, playing acoustic and bass guitar. He was faithful to his church and continued to serve and pray for the church community until the end of his life. Dad was a very generous and hospitable man who loved inviting people home for a meal and a chat and loved making people feel safe and valued. He enjoyed time with his grandsons, playing with them, teasing them and getting them into trouble and telling lots of stories of his adventures over his lifetime.”
In his time as a community policeman Dave was well known for cycling around Norton and Malton. He continued to cycle when he was retired, both locally and then off on a solo adventure cycling the length of France.
Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014.
Ellen said: “In later years his world would become much smaller and slower and he was able to enjoy lots of times at home and in the garden with friends and family. As his condition deteriorated, Sue continued to love and look after him with amazing patience, generosity and skill, enabling him to remain living at home and with as much fun and independence as was possible.”
Dave also enjoyed ‘Dancing With Parkinson’s’ at Kirkham Henry each week and the monthly Ryedale Parkinson’s group meetings were important to him.
Angela Kirkham, who runs the classes, said: “Dave loved the music and enjoyed the comradery of the group. His sense of humour often came to the fore. We will fondly remember Dave for his sense of humour and initially questioning the reasoning behind some of the movements. Sending love to you and the family.”
A service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Peter’s Church, Norton on May 29, at 1.30pm. Donations in Memory of David will go to Parkinson’s UK and the Ryedale Community Foodbank.