Family mourns tragic death of devoted dad
THE family of a mechanic who was tragically killed when a van collapsed on top of him in a Batley garage have paid an emotional tribute to the much-loved man.
David Horsley, 61, of Darley Road, Liversedge, was replacing a clutch on a vehicle in a private garage in Field Lane two weeks ago. The van fell down and he died instantly from injuries to the chest.
His shocked wife, Hazel, 60, said she felt lost without her husband.
She added: "He was my rock and my best friend. He has left such a big hole and I feel half of me is not here."
Hazel, who has worked as a lollipop lady on Halifax Road, Liversedge, for 25 years, said trained mechanic David was a quiet, generous person.
"If anyone needed anything doing he would just help them in his own little quiet way. He was always a positive man – an optimist."
David was married to Hazel for 43 years and had two children, Jane O'Donnell, 43, of Gomersal, and Richard, 41, who lives in Leeds.
Jane, who works as deputy director of infection prevention and control at Kirklees Primary Care Trust, said her father was a keen and devoted family man.
"Even when my brother and I had grown up he would still do anything he could to help us. Neither of us could wish for a better father," she explained.
"As a family we were very close. He may be gone in body but will never leave us in spirit."
David's funeral service was held in Gomersal last Friday. Jane said it was evident by the many people who attended how popular her father was.
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Weather for Batley
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
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