Tributes have this week been paid to a community-spirited Burnham-On-Sea resident who has sadly died.
Dave Pusill, 80, passed away on Saturday 18th April due to a suspected heart condition at his home in Burnham.
Dave was a familiar face about Burnham, having supported many different groups and community activities over the years – and he received a Civic Award in 2011, as pictured above.
Here, we look back at his life. Dave joined the Royal Navy in 1958 and spent time in Burnham while on leave until he left the Navy after ten years to become a Burnham resident. He went on to marry Pat Herring in 1969.
Dave started work with the family business of Herrings Coaches and Taxis and drove many local residents to schools, colleges, holidays and trips.
In Dave’s spare time he was involved with many organisations locally, including Burnham and Highbridge Sea Cadets, where he used his Navy skills to help local teenagers.
An active member of Burnham Operatic society doing backstage work, he played many parts in Burnham Pantomime performances.
He was also a member of West Country Knotters and would display knotting and rope skills to groups including BARB Search & Rescue.
Dave also had a passion for photography and took many photos and was a member of Burnham Camera Club.
Dave also loved doing things with the countryside and was an active volunteer with Quantocks Volunteer Rangers, National Trust and Brean Down Fort.
Alongside his wife and children, he would also support them and help them when he could with their love of swimming and at Burnham Swimming Club, working behind the scenes and at competitions.
The family’s community work in Burnham-On-Sea was recognised with a family civic award in 2011.
The family say they will be holding a celebration of Dave’s life at a later date when anyone will be able to attend, once the Coronavirus pandemic has finished.
