Family's grief after man dies in tractor accident
A FAMILY are mourning the death of their 'gentle giant', who was killed in a horrific accident on a farm.
David Willott, 34, who grew up in Deeping St James, died in hospital after his arm was torn off when it got caught in a tractor while he was working near Grantham.
Relatives say they have been left numb by the loss of the 6ft 4in former care worker, who had been due to marry his fiance Karen Atter, 32, next year.
His brother Nigel, 31, said: "He was a gentle giant with a big, hearty laugh and a heart of gold to match.
"He was very easy-going, always up for a laugh and quite an extrovert.
"He always had something to say for himself and was quite an unconventional person with an individual approach to life."
He said his brother's non-conformist attitude could be summed up by his differing interests in both heavy metal music and bell ringing at Priory Church in Deeping St James, where a muffled tribute will sound after his funeral.
David began his working life as a baker and later worked as a carer at Maxey House residen-tial home in Market Deeping, when he met his first wife, Maxine. After the marriage ended, he moved to Grantham, and was living in Hillingford Way in the town with Karen and working on a farm.
David's mother Margaret, 56, said she and her husband Paul, 60, would remember their son for his kindness.
Mrs Willott, of Hereward Way, Deeping St James, said: "He was a loving son who was always there for us, no matter what. He was a happy-go-lucky sort of person with a good heart. He may not have had much money in his pocket, but if he could do anything for anyone with his hands, he would be there."
Although David had no children of his own, Nigel, who lives in Spalding, said he "dearly loved" his two nephews, Mason, nine, and two-year-old William.
David was a pupil at The Deepings School when headteacher Chris Beckett joined the staff as a geography and PE teacher in 1987.
Mr Beckett said: "He had time for everybody and was polite and respectful – a smashing chap to know. I have seen him as he has grown up and he didn't have a malicious bone in his body. It was one heck of a shock to hear the news."
The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the cause of the accident on Wednesday, November 30.
David's funeral will take place at Priory Church tomorrow at 11am. A memorial service was being held in Grantham today.
The family welcome donations for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambu-lance and Cancer Research, which may be sent to Robert Holland Funeral Director in St Catherine's Road, Grantham.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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