David Moody - Sutton 41 Club
Arriving into this world on 3rd November 1938, David Heaton Moody was born in Bolton to loving parents Anne, a tailoress, and William, an electrical engineer. David was one of two children, with a younger sister, Janet.
When David was three years old, the family relocated to Cheam after his dad was requested by London Transport to install and subsequently manage bus and trolley bus services during the war.
At Rutlish Grammar school David enjoyed athletics and sports, he was a prize-winning sprinter, and a talented rugby player. Outside school he took part in the Scout movement, going on walking and camping trips, experiences he helped to re-create for a younger generation when he became a Cub Scout leader in his later 30s and 40s.
He was the first of his family to attend university, Manchester, where he studied civil engineering. Of a practical turn of mind and having a strong sense of community, he was very well-suited to his career as a civil engineer in local government. He retired aged 55 as acting Borough Engineer at the London Borough of Sutton and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
David enjoyed a full and varied social life, joining Sutton Round Table and '41 Club' and Carshalton Beeches Bowls Club, and becoming the Chairman of each of them at some point. He was a very gregarious man, in his element at a noisy bar or party (where his voice was often heard above others!), and a great joke- and story-teller.
But he also had a reflective side, seen, for example, in his life-long pursuit of stamp collecting, which began when he was bequeathed his uncle’s collection as a boy. He was never disappointed at Christmas to receive a copy of Stanley Gibbons’ stamp catalogue as a gift!
David loved being Grandpa to Rachel, Amy, Alex, Laura, Olivia, Natalie, Alice and Martha. He was always interested in what they had been up to and very proud of all their achievements. David was never more natural and at-home than with his grandchildren, involving them in fascinating activities and often playing the clown, causing much laughter. He loved them dearly and was very warm and affectionate towards them. More joy was to come into David’s life with the arrival of his great grandchildren Matthew, James, Ellie and Jack.
David was a very practical and plain-speaking man who was meticulous in everything he did. He would give an honest answer to any question asked of him. He was happy to help others whenever he could and was always thinking for the good of the community. Above all David was a family man who always ensured his family were loved, supported and provided for. David can truly be described as one of life’s gentlemen.
Sadly, on 23rd December 2018, David passed away peacefully aged 80. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sue, his children and Grand Children all those who knew and loved him.
