DEVOTED to his family and with a fascination in things mechanical from an early age, Dave Gribble’s friends and colleagues from the motor trade filled Crediton Parish Church, sitting wherever they could find a space for the Service of Celebration for his life.

David John Gribble died on February 5, the service was held on the last day of February. He had not long since turned 69, his birthday being on December 7, having been born in 1949.

The service was taken by Preb Anthony Geering. He said Dave had grown up and started school in Newton St Cyres, the youngest of four children.

At the age of 11 he went to the Hayward’s School in Crediton, finishing his education at the Shelley School, now QE’s Barnfield campus.

He had been interested in motor bikes from an early age and was often found tinkering on a bike or a car.

When he was old enough Dave would ride his motor bike around Newton St Cyres and had said he could put together a Triumph blindfolded.

At the age of 15 Dave took up an apprenticeship with an Exeter motor firm. His love of mechanics took him to Crediton and Moore Brothers garage which used to be on the High Street, where he worked until opening his own - Park Hill Garage at Nomansland Cross on the Tiverton road.

In 1972, Dave and Jacqueline were married. They had three children and 47 happy years together.

The garage off Park Hill was always a hive of activity and where strong friendships were made, said Mr Geering.

"Work was never a chore, Dave loved working on engines and talking about them," Mr Geering added.

A devoted father and grandfather, his grandchildren brought him endless joy. They enjoyed many family holidays in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Dave daughter-in-law, Lisa, said he had been a truly remarkable man, a family man who had a wonderful life with his wife and family.

Donations in Dave’s memory were for the Acute Stroke Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and may be made via A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.