David John Eagle (1 Oct 1933 - 18 Dec 2019)

In loving memory of David John Eagle who sadly passed away on 18th December 2019

David was a much-loved Husband to Hazel, Father to Richard and Sheila, Granddad to Andrew, Chris, Sam and Bethany and Great-Granddad to Adelyn. Very much part of the local community and beyond David loved life, his family and the Lord and will be deeply missed by us all.

Hazel and the family wish to thank you for your continuing love, support, and prayers in the coming weeks.

For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts! Psalm 92:4-5

David J Eagle Biography
Written by Sheila Eagle January 2020

David was born on 1st October, 1933 to Tom and Eva Eagle, he was the youngest of two sons with Peter being the elder. The family home was in Green Lane, Worcester Park where he grew up, and his parents lived there until after his Mother passed away and Tom went to live at the Methodist Home in Wallington.

He attended the infant and junior school at Cheam Common, at the top of Worcester Park Central Road which is still there. He then went on to Beverley Boys School in New Malden.

When Dad was 6 years old WW2 started and he was 12 when it ended. He recalled memories of bombing along the railway line at Worcester Park and his father being a fire warden, together with rationing and their garden being turned over to chickens and growing vegetables.

On finishing his education, he started work as an assistant cashier at the Guildhall School of Music. He went on to work at the Association of Certified Accounts at 21 Bedford Square in London. Starting as the Secretary for Overseas Examination, he then became the overall secretary for their Examinations.

In 1988 David was made redundant and decided to become a professional photographer. He had a very successful business and a studio at their home, together with photographing many weddings on location. In the 10 years that he was running the business, he took great pleasure in being part of many people’s lives in this way and was well known for his eye for detail and humour whilst behind the camera.

Both David and Hazel were Sunday School teachers at Worcester Park Methodist, where they were married on 30th July 1955, surrounded by family, friends and the congregation. In 2015 the family once again gathered to celebrate David and Hazel’s 60th Wedding Anniversary with much love and laughter.

David was a devoted husband to Hazel, he showed how much he cared for her in many different ways by doing little things like holding hands on walks to surprise gifts, never holding back on singing his praises for her, how he was so fortunate to have her in his life and how beautiful she always is. He took great enjoyment in regularly standing next to Hazel in church, singing the bass line to many a great Wesley hymn.

Their first home was a small flat in Addiscombe, Croydon. Whilst both working, Hazel’s salary as a teacher was saved for the deposit for their first home in New Malden which they moved into in 1956. In 1959 Richard was adopted and then Sheila 2 years later in 1961. Shortly after Sheila’s arrival they moved to Richlands Avenue, Stoneleigh in November 1961 which is still the family home.

The family home was always filled with music, love and laughter. Birthday parties, family celebrations, church and liberal meetings were all held there. David’s love and knowledge of music and the written word was shared with many. He took great pleasure in recommending books and also reading to Richard and Sheila. He had a great love of AA Milne and Winnie the Pooh; quotes and references were a daily part of life.

Every year the family went on a summer holiday in the UK where very happy memories were formed. A favourite destination was near to the Romney Hythe and Dymchuch railway, which Richard and Clive still regularly visit. Building large sand castle complexes and exploring the area was always a favourite activity. With the use of ordnance survey maps there was always a walk to be taken, however these sometimes ended up at dead ends or in a field of freshly cut corn. These were forever known as “Daddy paths” and caused great hilarity.
Through their time together David and Hazel have always been members of the Methodist Church and at Stoneleigh for over 58 years. David considered going into the ministry and studied to be a Lay Preacher; in 2016 David was presented with an award for 60 years’ service.

Together with being a lay preacher, David was an active member of Stoneleigh Methodist Church from being a youth leader to a house group leader. David and Hazel had Richard and Sheila baptised in the Methodist Church and encouraged them to also be involved within the church and discover their personal faith.

David was also a creative writer of lyrics for hymns and well-known popular songs, bringing his own style to all of his services. With the arrival of the internet David would thoroughly research information and contact people from all over the world to be able to be relevant and pertinent in an ever-changing world.

As an active member of the Liberal Party, now the Lib Dem’s, David stood for local council elections in 1966 with Arnold Shaw. He campaigned tirelessly, knocking on doors, folding leaflets and running local election headquarters with Hazel and his children if they were free. His passion for social equality was well known and he took pleasure in discussing and debating this with family and friends. Although decided on his views, he would always listen to other’s points of view with respect and kindness.

Apart from photography, David was a prolific painter mainly of seascapes, ships and landscapes together with a very much-loved one-off portrait of the family cat Penny. His paintings were regularly exhibited around the local area including Bourne Hall and the Lantern Arts Centre in Raynes Park, and are also hanging in many people’s homes.

David was very much a family man, he delighted in his much loved and ever-growing family. He was a very proud Grandfather to Andrew and Chris then later Sam and Bethany and took great pleasure in being an active and involved Grandparent as they grew up. David was very knowledgeable on many subjects, which he readily shared with his children and grandchildren. Be it WW2, photography, politics or everyday life, David would always take the time to sit and chat in a very relatable manner with them.

In 2018 David and Hazel officially welcomed Clive to the family when he and Richard married in 2018 after being partners for 18 years. Most recently they rejoiced in the arrival of Adelyn Pearl their first Great Granddaughter, daughter to Chris and Becky.

David’s legacy to the family and all that knew him will be one of love and laughter, determination in adversity and knowing that in whatever we do, we can and should make a difference in the world we live in.