Wiltshire residents pay tribute to 'pillar of the community'

Dave Harvey, 79, died on March 7 surrounded by family after battling cancer and heart problems for several years.

His family has since been inundated with “heartwarming” comments and messages by those whose lives Dave touched during his time in the town.

The family says this has highlighted the positive impact he had on the area.

Dave became one of the first residents of White Lion Park 54 years ago when he moved to the town after securing a job with Hills of Swindon.

During the following decades he became a “pillar of the Malmesbury community” after throwing himself into helping improve the area.

Dave Harvey and his dog (Image: Maisie Harvey)

Dave was instrumental in organising the 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations as well as numerous carnival floats and street parties in White Lion Park.

Around 2005, he joined forces with other residents to form the White Lion Recreation Association, which built and evolved a safe play area for children on the estate.

He was also central to several community organisations, including the local youth committee, Malmesbury Amateur Boxing Club, and Malmesbury Marlins.

During his later years, Dave spent a lot of his time helping charitable organisations and played a key part in the Emergency Services Show by gathering prizes and running their yearly raffle.

He was a keen freemason and used his position at St Aldhelm Lodge to raise money for his chosen charity, Brighter Futures.

More recently, Dave became well known amongst Malmesbury locals for regularly stopping to chat to them during his long walks with his dog.

The pensioner would even volunteer to walk other people’s dogs.

Dave Harvey (Image: Maisie Harvey)

His family said: “Many Malmesbury residents have spoken about their enjoyable conversations with Dave as he would always stop and chat during his long walks with his dog in his bright yellow coat.

“He was often accompanied by other people’s dogs he would volunteer to walk.”

Dave’s family added that he would be “dearly missed” by them and the community.

A celebration of his life will take place at 10am on April 3, at North Wiltshire crematorium, followed by a gathering in Malmesbury town hall.

The family has requested family flowers only and any donations will go to Brighter Futures via Brooks Independent Funeral Directors.