David Whitley (12 Oct 1949 - 24 Dec 2021)

Sorry we can’t be with you all today, we will be thinking of you and sending you lots of love xx

I wanted to let David’s family know how much he and them have meant to our family over the last 40 or so years. It’s difficult to describe, as from the outside we were just neighbours! To many of us the people next door are just occasional acquaintances.

But not David, Angela, Sarah and Mathew. My parents Mary and George only moved away from them a couple of years ago having spent the best part of 40 years as neighbours.

My mum nailed it the other week when she was talking to Angela, she said, “you’re like a daughter to me”. That’s how they all are, a family. One we’ve all loved over the years.

I don’t remember a time growing up that David and Angela weren’t next door to us. We always helped each other out, came round on Christmas morning to wish each over ‘Merry Christmas and much more.

As neighbours you often see good and bad points, but I really don’t recall any bad ones. A lovely couple, hard working with lovely children. David was always friendly and helpful, had time to chat and was a real down-to-earth lovely man.

We all went to the church at the top of Healey Street together. I’m not sure we all had the same view on god, but it drew us closer to each other and the people around us. The picture I added separately to this site is one of my favourites. You might recognise a couple of people in it.

As my parents got older and I moved away I stayed in touch best I could and would message Angela or David and regularly have to ask them to pop round and tell my parents to put their phone back on the hook!

As we know David was an avid Man Utd fan. Being a Liverpool fan, we would always have some great banter, usually on Facebook. Always polite and respectful, because that was David.

I’m not sure I have much more to say. Other than my parents and the rest of my family are so, so sad for the loss of David. Our hearts go out to Angela, Sarah, Matthew and all their family.

We all wish we were closer and could offer some support or solace, but we know you’ve an amazing family and group of friends around you and will be being well looked after.

My wife always tell me to live for the moment, enjoy today as you don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I see it more now.

Take care all.

Love

Phil Harding. x

Sorry I won't be able to attend the funeral but I send you virtual love and support. I'll be thinking of you all at this difficult time as you say your final goodbyes to a Special man that you all dearly loved and will be missed by so many. Xx