FOLLOWING a private burial at Lapford, a Celebration of the Life of John Daw, well-known farmer and a former chairman of Mid Devon District Council, was held at the Church of the Holy Cross Crediton, on Tuesday, February 4.

It was in honour of former Councillor John Daw (71), from Morchard Bishop, who passed away on January 9, that so many people, more than 900, attended.

Every seat was taken and more than 200 people had to stand throughout the service, which was conducted by Canon Michael Hall, a friend of the family, from Crediton.

Mr Daw was first elected to Mid Devon District Council in 1999 and held a number of roles across a range of committees during more than 20 years on the council. He was Chairman of the Council from 2015-17.

Mr Daw (71), was a dairy farmer and was also actively involved with Devon YFC, the NFU, ARLA, Devon County Show, Mid Devon Show and was a director of Mole Avon Trading Ltd.

He was a former Crediton Rugby Club player and active member of the committee.

John was chairman of Coldridge branch of the Conservative party and was a parish councillor at Coldridge for more than 40 years.

An outstanding eulogy was given about John Daw by John Lee OBE.

Mr Lee spoke of John’s reassuring way and his familiar expression “Don’t worry about it boy” and said: “He was just such a lovely man! Well we all knew that of John as soon as we met him, that smile, chuckle and mischievous twinkle in the eye. How often over the last few weeks, have we thought of that, said it to others and heard it from others, as we have reflected on the many happy times that John brought into our lives.”

He continued: “He would often say, ‘I am so lucky’. And he was deservedly fortunate in so many ways and appreciated life to the full; but it wasn’t luck that gave him a life that was blessed with loving parents, a devoted wife, two children, five grandchildren, one great grandchild and two God children, all of whom he was so proud.

“This came together with a large circle of good friends and a successful farming career. But that all owed nothing to luck; it was due to those qualities in him, that all of us here today experienced and admired, and remember with such affection – his character, warmth, humour and ability.

“He deserved all that was so good, that came his way.

“John William Daw was born on September 9, 1948, at Barnstaple hospital and was to be the only child of Bill and Marjorie Daw, returning a few days later to the farm at Clotworthy, which was going to be the centre of John’s early life.

“John first attended Coldridge Primary School, indeed he was in the last class before it closed. Having passed the 11-plus, he was to later attend Queen Elizabeth Boys Grammar School, here in Crediton. He enjoyed his time at school, including rising to the rank of Sargent in the Cadets.”

John Lee spoke of Mr Daw’s sporting achievements, including cricket and rugby and how on leaving school he returned home to farm at Clotworthy, where began his lifelong interest in livestock.

“I have no doubt the defining moment in John’s life was when he joined Bow YFC, where he took part in most club activities, and excelled in all types of stock judging, competing all the way to Smithfield and becoming runner-up to stockman of the year. John also learned his renowned public speaking skills through the YFC, which he used with great effect over the years in other walks of life.”

Mr Lee said that it was at the Burston Inn at a YFC dance that Mr Daw met Marilyn Elworthy, and how after they married, they moved to Park Mill, part of Clotworthy.

He said Mr Daw was Devon YFC County Chairman when he was aged 24 and the following year captained the YFC England Rugby team, to beat Wales – in Wales by 12 points to 3.

“Amongst all of this activity, soon to appear was Richard, followed five years later by Edward,” he added.

He said John had a fantastic record with Crediton RFC and started playing in 1964, aged 16.

“Over the next 24 years he played 313 games for them– 174 of which were in the First 15.

“John always took a great interest in the club, and continued to do so, actively supporting the junior teams and remaining on the club committee. Between 1983 and 85 he was Club Vice Chairman and was Chairman between 85 – 88.

“I first met John when he was judging, and I was competing in a YFC speaking competition and while I do not recall the exact result, I recall him making us feel like we had won, when in fact we were likely to have been last; that was the way he encouraged everyone he encountered.

“Throughout his life he was never far from YFC, training and judging all types of stock and public speaking competitions, and he remained, President of Bow Club, Vice President of Haldon Group and of the County Federation.”

“John did not only farm well, but he gave his time and served the industry, the community and the County he loved.

“He was chairman of the Crediton branch of the NFU, before being elected as the Devon County Chairman in 2002, where he gained the nick name of ‘Happy Daw’. His cheerful and uplifting manner could not have been timelier, as the county and its farmers started the slow recovery from Foot and Mouth and an exhausted staff team needed and received his full support and grateful thanks.

“John was always aware of the value of food and the contribution of its producers to the countryside and the country, amongst other organisations he was involved with were Milk Link and ARLA, a Council member of the RABDF and a member of CRAG.

“Having been involved with Mole Avon since it started John formally joined the board in 2017 where he brought his mischievous sense of humour which belied his vast knowledge of the agricultural industry.

“He loved meeting people and the various shows which the company attends gave him a further opportunity. He was already heavily involved with Mid Devon Show and had been from the outset when Marilyn was secretary for its first three years, supported by Edward as her assistant. He did however have to learn to walk two steps behind, when Marilyn was deservedly Show President, but he continued his involvement as a member of the livestock and F and O committees as well as Council.

“That pattern is very much repeated at the Devon County Show, where he was a Vice President for 46 years and a long-term steward of sheep and a senior cattle steward where he was well-known for his authoritative commentary. He was elected to the Board of management in 2004 and joined the Council in 2000.”

Mr Lee spoke of some of the bad times, the loss of Edward in 2003, and life-threatening illnesses faced by Richard and Marilyn, about John’s depression, but also of the almost 50 years of marriage achieved by John and Marilyn.

John also spoke of Mr Daw’s zest for living life to the full, his cheeriness, of humorous times and his sudden illness and subsequent passing peacefully away on January 9.

Mr Lee added: “Marilyn and Richard are indebted to the paramedics, Devon Air Ambulance and the healthcare professionals at Derriford for their care and attentiveness, and are particularly grateful to Canon Michael Hall for his support and prayers in recent weeks and for conducting this service, which together with your attendance and the many cards, letters and messages, have given them great comfort and support.

“And so, this morning John went home and was laid to rest, in the Mid-Devon soil at Lapford, that he loved so much and called his own - reunited at last with his parents and grandparents of whom he was so fond.

“Although we have to say goodbye to John, we will not forget the many memories of happy times with him, the laughs and fun we had together.

“We thank him for all that he did for us, for his friendship, his dedication and his service, his banter, his wit, and his bon-homie and for enriching all our lives in so many ways.”

A poem was also read during the service by family friend and former Mid Devon District Councillor Peter Heal.

The poem was entitled “Who Was John Daw”, and was especially written by Mr Heal.

It began: “Who was John Daw, I heard someone say, To Tell you I need to answer this way.

“A man of great stature, A man of the soil, Often ruddy of face and built for great toil.

“Yes, he was a farmer, but much more than that, He was a countryman, often seen with a hat.”

The poem concluded: “And I think myself lucky to have known him as a friend, Sleep well till we meet one another again.”

Hymns included “Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer”, “I vow to thee, my country”, “And did those feet in ancient time” and “We plough the fields and scatter”.

Prayers and the thanksgiving were led by Canon Hall and the service concluded with the Irish Blessing and recordings of “To Be A Farmer’s Boy” and “The Walk of Life” by Dire Straits.

Donations in memory of John were accepted for Devon Air Ambulance Trust, the British Heart Foundation and Epilepsy Research by retiring collection or can be sent c/o A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.

Refreshments were served after the service at Crediton Rugby Club.