South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | February | 3
From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Feb 2006.
A DEDICATED swimmer and teacher from Yate who loved to share his passion with others has sadly passed away.
Dave Loveridge, who died in January at the age of 68 from asbestos cancer, will be sorely missed by the community after touching the hearts of many with his efforts to help those less advantaged than himself.
A ground-breaker, Mr Loveridge was the first teacher of disabled swimmers and one of the first to teach mothers with their babies.
Born in Kidderminster on December 28, 1937 he joined the Royal Navy as a young man before returning to England to settle in Yate in 1969.
Mr Loveridge soon became closely involved with the local community, sharing his enthusiasm for swimming with hundreds of other keen learners. He was also largely involved in the opening of swimming pools at Raysfield Junior School and, more recently, in Dursley.
He served a term as a governor for Raysfield Junior School as well as being a member of the management committee of Dodington Parish Band.
Mr Loveridge's son Adam said that he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
He said: "People will miss his conversations, he was always happy to talk with anyone he met and shared many stories of his life and travels.
"People will also miss the obvious joy he had whenever he was teaching swimming."
A funeral will be held on Monday, February 6 (12.30pm) at St Peter's Church in Wapley, in memory of Mr Loveridge. People attending the service have been asked not to wear black and be advised that flowers should only be from family members.
Donations in lieu, which are being co-ordinated by c/o F Woodruff's in Station Road, Yate, will go towards the Salvation Army.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008