Dave York, a much-loved lollipop man who served Mount Primary School in New Brighton for seven years, has died suddenly at the age of 76. He passed away on July 14, having been on the school crossing just the day before, chatting to everyone as usual.
Family pays tribute
Dave leaves behind his wife Jill, two sons Tim and Jim, and six grandchildren: Ayden, Erin, Jack, Nancy, James and Cora. His daughter-in-law Kerry York told the ECHO: "Before he was a lollipop man, we used to call him the handyman because he could plaster, he could bricklay, he was a painter and decorator. He’s done quite a lot in his life and helped a lot of people out."
Community pillar
Dave was known for his kindness to neighbours, including Maureen, who is in her 90s. Kerry said: "She was like his best friend. He used to go round and make sure she was OK. If she had any little bits of work that needed doing, he’d do that every week. Now she’s absolutely mortified because she doesn’t have any family either. He was always there for her."
Kerry added: "He was like that with loads of people. He just cared about everybody."
School crossing memories
Dave was famous for his smiles, waves, and high-fives for children walking to Mount Primary School. He loved talking about the pupils he met. Kerry said: "He spoke about it every single day. He used to talk about the different children who would high-five him, and the parents would stop to chat with him. There are even children who have gone on to high school who would come down the hill and give him sweets and say, ‘Dave, we saved you some sweets'. He was just so lovely. All the kids adored him."
Character and routines
Dave was known for his sense of humour and simple routines. Kerry said: "He was funny. A very funny character. He liked to go to Wetherspoons for a pint every single night. Then he’d come home and, if it was warm weather, he’d sit in the garden and wait for Jill to cook his tea. He also loved Netflix at night. He used to sit with his headphones on. He was just a really nice person. He’d do anything for anybody."
Dave was also a familiar sight during community celebrations, wearing handmade decorations on his hat for occasions like Christmas and Halloween, made by local knitters who usually decorate post boxes. Kerry said: "The ladies who knit toppers for post boxes would make him ones to wear on his hat. He loved things like that. He was just so well-loved. It’s left a big hole."
