A MUCH-LOVED husband, father and grandfather, ‘Marmite’ letter writer, navy diver, solicitor, one of the Friends of Petersfield Heath, a host for children who suffered ongoing illness and trauma after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster, has died aged 91.

David Burstall of Love Lane contracted Covid earlier this year, which developed into Long Covid and triggered a long-dormant case of mesothelioma – about which he had been unaware – and died on Tuesday, November 1.

In recent years the former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy had been a prolific letter writer, contributing many missives to the Post on a wide range of topics, normally controversial.

His immediate family, wife Joan, son James, and daughter Nicola jokingly called them ‘Marmite’ letters – you either loved or hated them!

David started his Navy career qualifying as a CDO (Clearance Diving Officer) at HMS Vernon in May 1955 and subsequently served as the Diving Officer on the Isles class Admiralty trawler HMS Annet, studying ground mine behaviour on the seabed.

David served in the destroyers HMS Decoy and HMS Delight from 1965 to 1966 before returning to HMS Vernon until he left the Royal Navy in 1969.

He then joined the Merchant Navy and worked dredging gravel out of Gravesend for two years before qualifying as a solicitor.

The family then moved to Petersfield and he joined a solicitors’ firm in Waterlooville, where he worked until he retired 26 years later.

David joined the Friends of Petersfield Heath where he was instrumental in the creation of paths around the pond, arranging for Churcher’s College pupils to be the labour force.

He was also behind the laying of paths on the Merritt’s Meadow development of retirement homes overlooking North Road.

And for 19 years he helped arrange for the hosting of Chernobyl children through Chernobyl Children Life Line after the disaster.

Among many other interests, including letter writing, he was a member of u3a French, bridge, and writers’ groups, and enjoyed cycling.

He had been out riding his new recumbent bicycle only two weeks before he died.

David was also a keen supporter of the Vernon Monument project commemorating Royal Navy divers that saw a statue placed in the basin opposite The Old Custom House at Gunwharf Quays.

And in July he and Jane attended its dedication and unveiling.

His family said: “David was a family man and he loved every one of us with equal measure.

“He was always determined to live life to the full and he passed on that passion, taking us all on some incredible adventures.

“He was also always there with words of wise encouragement when our own paths took a route we didn’t expect.

“He loved a discussion and telling us incredible stories – though, granted, they got more incredible each time he told them.

“There was always a project on the go, from catamarans and compost bins to water rockets and ocean cleaners.

“Life with him was never boring.

“He was our teacher, guide and strength, our husband, father and grandfather. Our friend.

“We shall miss him and carry his memory with us always.”

FAMILY TRIBUTE

n Letters, Page 8