Family Release Tribute to Accident Victim

The family of David Blackburn, who was tragically killed in a collision at East Kirkby on Saturday 9 April, have released a tribute to a warm and lovely husband, father and grandfather.

Born and raised in Stickney, motor mechanic David met his wife, Catherine, twenty years ago in Benidorm where they shared a holiday romance.  After returning home, they enjoyed a relationship for a time before their lives took separate paths, although they remained good friends.

David married his first wife and moved away to Chesterfield where he spent seven years working as a miner and his three sons, Shane, Lee and Karl were born.  He later returned to Stickney and was reunited with Catherine.  They were married in June 2010 and moved to their home in West Keal a few months later.

“Not only was David a brilliant father to his own boys but he was also a loving step-father to my two children, Isabella and Matthew” said Catherine.  “He helped them learn to swim and ride a bike and they thought the world of him”.

Devoted to his parents who have since passed away, David became a full-time carer for his mother, Joan, after she had a stroke.

Catherine said, “Later, his father, Arthur, required residential care, and David was totally committed to visiting him.  He called in to see him each Wednesday and every Friday, he would collect him from the nursing home and take him out for fish and chips”.

A keen traveller who especially enjoyed independent driving holidays, David visited many parts of the world, including India, but his favourite place was anywhere that he could be surrounded by his close friends, family and grandchildren, Maizie, 6, Dylan, 4, Katie-Ellen, 3, and Gabriella, 2.

David’s son, Shane, said, “He was such a big hearted man who was not afraid to show his emotions and he loved big family parties and reunions. One hug from him would make you feel safe and calm”.

Catherine said, “David was so content with his life.  His children had grown up and were independent and he was enjoying the fact that it was now our time to be together.  Our first wedding anniversary is only weeks away and we had so much to look forward to.  He will be desperately missed”.