A few of our memories and impressions of our Dad - David Caves.

Our dad was a big warm kind, handsome gentle man, a loving father. He was a delight.

He had a way of being in the world, no fuss completely here, no worrying about the future or past – happy to be getting on with the job in hand.

He liked nothing more than to entertain with fantastic tales of his exploits, sailing the seven seas with the merchant navy. We could tell you some tales of Madagascar, the Pitcairn islands, Buenos Aires and the Panama Canal.

Dad had a sweet romantic love for Mum.

Dad and Mum were a great team, building up the Reeve Warwick business. Dad had tremendous energy. We remember him loading lorries, strapping down the heavy loads with his admirable knots. These skills came into their own when we prepared for our infamous camping holidays, with Dad skilfully packing enough food and equipment into The Van.
Dad loved driving, whether it was collecting animal feeds from Avonmouth docks for 2 weeks camping with 8 children, delivering pea cock feed to Warwick castle, or taking us off to the Med on family holidays.

All things watery have been a passion in Dad’s life - on the water, in the water and under the water
We remember him pulling an old clinker built dingy from a bonfire, employing Bob-a Job scouts to chip off the charcoal. He then set about rebuilding the craft before taking all 10 of us out on intrepid adventures off the coast of Hayling Island! One thing for sure, we all had absolute confidence in his seamanship!!

As for swimming, yes, dad was in his element! There’s many a chilly 6 o clock in the morning when he encouraged us up and out to St Nick’s outdoor pool to break the ice on the water, before going off to school, on a bowl of dad’s creamy porridge!

Dad always had a very positive outlook on life. When mum and dad made the decision to set off on a new path together, Mum became an acupuncturist and Dad trained as a remedial masseur and reflexologist - in which he excelled with his intuitive touch as a healer. When in Dads hands - all was right with the world.

Dad admitted that this was his first real education, his school years being spent elsewhere, like helping a local farmer or hiding in his dad’s lorry, popping his head out just as granddad reached the market, some distance from home!
Each day marked the start of new challenges for dad. Even in the years after mum passed away, and disabled by the effects of his stroke, dad bravely moved on from his misfortunes. He found new friends within the Headway group and discovered his latent artistic talents, turning out scores of works of art, celamics, go carts, dolls houses, paintings, crafts of all shapes and sizes, not to mention First Prize for his Cheese straws. He was always ready to lend a hand to others or to give an encouraging word to those who were in difficulties. By his example one would think anything was possible – if dad set out to do something he would always find a way to do it.

We shall remember him for his cheeky grin and his mischievous beautiful blue eyes.
A man who lived and loved life to the full.
He worked with nature, filling his garden and plate to overflowing with life’s bounty.
Dad, thank you for all you have done for us and for the example of your life.

Aren’t we lucky all of us who have known him to be able to carry his spirit with us in our own lives.

Jo, Clare, Julie, Mark, Winnie, Rachel, Gay and Leo.