Popular postman dies suddenly at 50

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.meltontimes.co.uk/news/Popul ... 6515058.jp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MONDAY: Tributes have been paid to a popular town centre postman who died suddenly last week.

David Lakey (50), known as Dave, did his town centre round for 21 years as well as covering other areas of Melton in his time.

One of Dave's biggest passions in life was football, in particular Leicester City where he was a season ticket holder and was made a life-long member of the Leicester City Supporters' Club.

Loving wife Deborah, of Laycock Avenue, said: "He would go to any length to get to a match. One time he was meant to get a lift but it didn't turn up so he just hitched one."

Dave's older brother, John, added: "He was the loudest voice in the entire crowd and when he was younger he would travel around the country to follow his team."

In his younger days Dave was a founder member of the Melton Albion football team. He played for various local sides and at one point managed the Melton Working Men's Club team.

Dave loved people, life and his family who have endless stories to tell about him, many of which sum up his mischievous sense of humour.

Deborah said: "He was a joker and liked to have a laugh with his customers. He once saw a bouquet of flowers being delivered to a business but they weren't for the lady he was speaking to. She told Dave she was never given flowers so on his next delivery he gave her a couple of flowers he'd picked on his round.

"We will miss his smile and his mischief. Wherever Dave was there was laughter. He was just a loving family man. He loved his family and we loved him. He would also help people on his round."

Dave's brother, John, added: "I bet there's no-one in the town centre who hasn't got a story about him. He was a bit of a wind-up merchant and the stories we could tell are just endless."

Dave died suddenly on Tuesday, August 31. He was surrounded by his family and died in hospital.

Among his other loves in life were travelling and going on family holidays. In his younger days Dave spent a year backpacking around the world.

Deborah said: "He did live for his 50 years. We used to spend a lot of time in Cornwall. He loved being on the beach with his children and going in the sea."

Dave's family appreciate all the support they've had from family and friends as well as the many cards they've received.

Deborah added: "As a family we are so grateful for all the support we've had and in particular the help given by Mr and Mrs Brandt and their son and Mrs Hodgkinson on the day Dave died. We really appreciate what they did for us and I will be thanking them personally."

Dave leaves wife Deborah, son Sam (20), daughter Evie (13) and older brothers John and Alec.

His funeral service will be held at Loughborough Crematorium on Friday at 11am. Family flowers only. Donations may be left on the collection plate or given to the family for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

[plainpat]

A hand above the water
An angel reaching for the sky
Is it raining in heaven -
Do you want us to cry?

And everywhere the broken-hearted
On every lonely avenue
No-one could reach them
No-one but you

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flying too close to the sun
And life goes on -
Without you...

Another Tricky Situation
I get to drownin' in the Blues
And I find myself thinkin'
Well - what would you do?

Yes! - it was such an operation
Forever paying every due
Hell, you made a sensation
You found a way through

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
We'll remember -
Forever...

And now the party must be over
I guess we'll never understand
The sense of your leaving
Was in the way it was planned...

So we grace another table
And raise our glasses one more time
There's a face at the window
And i aint never, never saying goodbye...

One by one
Only the Good die young
They're only flyin' too close to the sun
Cryin' for nothing
Cryin' for no-one
No-one but you


No-one but you (Only the Good die young) - Queen

[feduppostie]

my thoughts to his family

hope all the kind and good words said about him are a comfort to them x

[bobbyden]

My deepest sympathies go out to his family at this very sad time.
When events like this happen, it puts many things in perspective. As a football fan myself, I will be looking out for the results of Leicester City. I hope they are positive ones in the main.

May he rest in peace, Amen.