We
are sad to report the death of transport enthusiast David Hunter, who
passed away at Whipps Cross Hospital on 26th May after a
short illness.
David who lived in Loughton Essex, was well known for
attending rail and bus events throughout the UK and Europe. In recent years he had
retired from his job with Network Rail,
allowing him to step up his travels to many events where he was to be
seen quietly observing the scene and chatting to the many people that
he knew.
He
was always willing to give support and get involved if asked to do so
and was a regular attendee to the Kirkby Stephen Easter Rally, where
he usually acted as a bus conductor.
He
was always my guide when I visited London, his encyclopedic knowledge
of London's buses trains and trams allowing us to move efficiently
around the capital and to minimise travel times. He was a
real gentleman and ultra polite and even though he was supposed to be
leading me around he was always stepping back to allow me to go
first.
His
quiet manner and pleasant nature made it a pleasure to be in his
company and he will be missed by all. DG
A tribute from Tony Wilson
David was for me 'the man with the smiley face'. Every time we met he
always did so with a huge beaming smile, a smile that I hope for which
he will always be remembered. On one particular occasion he was due to
arrive at Kirkby Stephen West Railway Station staying with the Hamer
family of Cumbria Classic Coaches. As I too was staying there they asked
if I would pop down to the station and collect him, and suggested that I
do so in their genuine 1937 Hackney carriage. The smile on his face as
he exited the station, spread across those bleak Cumbrian Fells like a
bright shaft of sunshine. Now whether the smile was for me or the transport of
delight....................... TW
