David Scattergood

He was incredibly opinionated. Even with a chorus of ‘Grandad you can’t say that!’ His response was always the same, ‘I can!’.

Growing up in the Dingle, Davey was the baby of 16 children and quite the daredevil. He used to steal the conny onny and play Mighty Mouse swinging from window to window.

His caring side shone through when he went down south to work in a caring capacity for patients recovering from Polio. It was here he met Jackie. Initially he was put off as she was slightly taller than him, but thankfully Cuban heels were in fashion, so as long as she didn’t wear heels herself, they were alright.

Bringing their children up together, Jackie and Dave faced some tough challenges together. Losing their son Paul when he was just aged 7 was utterly heart-breaking. They both pulled together and made a good life for Booie, Adrian and Tracey, displaying characteristics and a love which Adrian highlighted and shared with us.

Tracey remembers his unique way of getting her out of bed – he simply tipped the bed upside down while she was still in it!

When it came to getting what he wanted for his family, there was no stopping him. He mithered and mithered the council for the family home they’re still in when it became available. He didn’t need showing round to see if it was suitable; he’d already let himself in through an open window and checked it out himself! Eventually they gave him the keys to shut him up!

Throughout his life, Davey demonstrated a practical and caring attitude. He was the go to man on the estate for any bike repairs. If you needed to borrow any tool known to man, you could bet Davey had it in his garage. You might not be able to find it but he knew exactly where everything was kept. His allotment grown pumpkins were generously dished out each year.

He never threw anything out – the original hoarder. If you needed to see any receipt from the 1970s, you only had to ask. He kept them all! He even had boxes kept in pristine condition which belonged to items that he didn’t even have anymore!

He was hands on in the upbringing of his grandchildren especially and had unique relationships with all of them; Megan, Aaron, Levi, Mercedes, Chelsea, Lizzie and Bailey. He was so proud of them all, until the 12 great grandchildren came along and knocked them off their perch!

Much as he embraced new technology, he was never any good with his phone in particular. Thankfully his grandchildren were always on hand to fix it – which usually just meant taking it off aeroplane mode which he somehow always managed to unknowingly do!

He loved catching up with his mates in the Burma pub, where he had his own spot and bar stool. He’d spend hours sat chatting with his trademark trilby on the bar. He was devastated when it closed down but not as much as his grandchildren who used to wait for the spare change he always dished out to them when he got home!

Dressed in his allotment gear where he proudly went every single day except Christmas day when he no longer had the chickens, he was the original Compo from Last of the Summer Wine. He didn’t care what he looked like and wasn’t afraid to make a show of any of his grandkids when he bumped into them in town.

For years they could never embarrass him, until last year, as he enjoyed celebrating his 80th birthday with his family round him for a meal, he was mortified when they all started singing happy birthday to him, making him the centre of attention. Finally, after all those years, they’d managed to embarrass him back!

Family was so important to Davey. He was proud of his Liverpool roots and enjoyed asking Levi to drive him back to Speke to show him where the family used to live.

He loved nothing more than seeing everyone and hearing what they’d been up to. So many memories and years of holidays, special occasions, sleepovers, even ice bucket challenges, all form the legacy which he leaves behind as part of the Scattergood history.

There is absolutely no way we could begin to scratch the surface on just how much he meant to his large family and friends, but we trust that these memories and plenty more which you all have, will be what keep you going.

Many of you will know how Davey LOVED to take photographs. Not just of family or beautiful places. Oh no, every plant he’s ever grown from seedling to its full glory. Jackie must have looked through thousands of pictures capturing each one as it grew another cm!

Then there were the holiday snaps…..5 million of the sky before you even landed!

You may be pleased to know that the following photo tribute has been put together highlighting some great times and memories rather than his green fingers! The family hope you enjoy them and that perhaps they will stir some of your own memories.

Photo Tribute

Accompanied by

In Dreams by Roy Orbison

Before we say a formal farewell to Davey. His grandchildren have shared some of their own memories with each other and as the pictures keep rolling, it’s my pleasure to share them with you now in the form of the poem they have so beautifully put together.

Poem

“Our Grandad”

Our Grandad, the little man we all looked up to.

Our grandad, the man with many a face.

The Grandad who taught us how to plant a bulb, the grandad who let us ruin our clothes.

The Grandad who was there the day I came home, I’ll always remember the purple oily t-shirt that I would take everywhere with me.

Grandads house where I used to ruin your puff, robbing sponge out of it. You never shouted or got in a huff, sharing all the crabs, shrimps, winkles together memories I will cherish forever.

There have been so many times in our lives when you have been there for US.

Now it is our turn.

There is a star up there named the Scattergood Star, you have left an almighty scar.

We only need to look up, to be reminded of the times you moaned about your brew.

Your pumpkin’s needed no introduction, the sweetcorn you grew, is what we will mourn.

The man behind the camera always had a smile, the real shame was your style!

Allotment gear was your best, you didn’t care about the rest.

Who could forget those Facebook rants, they grew faster than your plants.

Even though this sadness aches its time for you to rest.

Heaven needed another angel and the one they chose was you, how we will miss growing sunflowers in the back garden and digging potatoes with you.

Now that you are not here grandad, we will be sure to look after Nan for you.

So many tears let fall, after all these years our hearts are full of memories which we will treasure each day.

We will miss our chats, Mr Scatt, you really were simply the best.

Goodnight Grandad, Ta Ta

Committal

Part of our responsibility is to return Davy’s earthly body back to life’s cycle.

Although he will be greatly missed, we trust that his memory and everything that made him the man he was, will bring comfort in the difficult times ahead. As you prepare to let him go, if you are able, please could you stand.

Part of the cycle of life is embracing death and acknowledging its place in our lives. Rejoice that he lived, that you took delight in his family, his friendship and his love. Recall all those aspects of his life which you loved and respected. By bestowing those same gifts on others, you will keep his memory and spirit alive.

We now commit David Scattergood to be cremated and reunited with his beloved boys Paul and Booie. We take comfort they are now back together and will remain so for eternity. We ask that he takes with him the love felt by so many here today and trust that the love he leaves behind with give you the strength to adapt to life without his physical presence.

With love, leave him in peace, with respect, bid him farewell.

Please be seated.

Closing Words

On behalf of Jackie, thank you for your attendance and support here today. The cards, messages of sympathy and help has been much appreciated and given the family strength at a difficult time. You are all welcome to join them following our time here at Jack’s Lounge at The Wilson’s.

A special thanks to Shelley, Angela and Nick for all their help.

Thanks to Ray and the team at Rigby’s and the staff here at Walton Lea who all work together to ensure that our loved ones are treated so respectfully on their final journey.

Our final song is one which Davey said he wanted. Perhaps because that was how he thought of his family, although it’s clear from the memories and love shared today, that those feelings were very much reciprocated. That said, none of them ever learned to make him a decent cup of tea!

Let us leave him in peace, with the perfect song in tribute to a life full of love.

Closing Music

Simply the Best by Tina Turner