THE family of Godfrey David Martin, who was known to everyone as Dave, have paid tribute to the grandfather who died on April 5 at Dorothy House, in Winsley, at the age of 73.

Mr Martin, who took over his father’s haulage business G H Martin and Son in the 1980s, first got behind the driver’s wheel at the age of nine and never looked back.

The former Corsham Primary and Corsham Secondary Modern School pupil went on to do an apprenticeship at Fred Short’s in Bath before joining the family business.

He went on to have two daughters, Emma and Joanna, with Judy Robinson but divorced in 1987.

Eleven years later he met Harriet, who became his long term partner, and together they enjoyed taking his vintage lorries to vintage vehicle shows up and down the country over the summer months; a passion that he inherited from his father.

During his married life, Mr Martin also owned a boat and would travel to Studland every Sunday with family and friends in the summer to enjoy the beach hut he had built and transported on the back of a lorry and a spot of water sports.

The avid water-skier also enjoyed helping out the community, being a representative on the village hall committee, and a drink at the Harp and Crown pub, where he was a well-known regular.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 2.30pm at St Bartholomew’s Church, in Corsham.