DAVID LOCKETT 1925 - 2009

It is with great sadness that we record the passing of long time SWGDC Member and many times Show Referee David Lockett.

David was taken in to hospital on Monday 28th. September and died on the afternoon of the Friday 2nd. October. His funeral was held on Friday 16th. October

David was born on June 8th. 1925 and was aged 84 when he died

He had a strict upbringing and was educated at the Treliske Prep and Main School before going to Truro College.

His father was a Bank Manager at St. Columb in Cornwall and David was particularly devoted to his mother Dora.

Following a brief spell in the army he joined the famous Rembandt Fashion House.

When he moved on, he spent the next 7 years as a telephonist for BT .

David had a lovely voice and had the honour of being a chorister with the Royal Choral Society for many years.

He was an avid Royalist and was a font of great knowledge on anything/anyone Royal.

He enjoyed opera, crosswords, sewing and ironing but detested gardening.

It was through a mutual love of opera that David met his partner Peter Blow. Peter had already established the Olympique Kennels and thus David discovered a love of Great Danes that was to last for more than 40 years

In the early 70's David and Peter moved to France accompanied by no less than 17 Danes. They spent most of their time in France until Peters death in 1997. From thereon David returned to the UK and lived at thier second home in Whipsnade.

David was alway a loyal supporter of Dane clubs, was a championship Show Judge and he also judged DOTY. As recently as April this year he fulfilled his last official appointment as Referee at the SWGDC Ch. Show.

Sadly David's Brother John died last November - a loss that affected him deeply.

To outsiders David sometimes presented a serious and reserved persona but his close friends were privy to his infectious humour and giggles.

HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM