Heartbreaking tributes at funeral of Bolton ‘legend’ who was owner of chippy
David Sumner ran Bennett’s Lane Chippy for more than 40 years before he died on June 4, aged 76.
Celebrant Sue Wood described David, who was known as Dave, as a “mischievous, spirited and lovable rogue” who left Heywood School when he was aged 15.
Dave Bennett and his wife Linda winning the Bolton News Chippy Award in 2016. (Image: Martini Archive) Sue said: “Although Dave worked a series of jobs after he left school, including a week as a painter and decorator and a mechanic, it was not until later in his life when he would find his true calling.
Dozens gathered for Dave’s funeral at Howe Bridge Crematorium. (Image: Leah Collins) “In 1966, he ran into Linda in the pub and that’s where their love story began.
“They had two children together, Rebecca and Mark. Family was the most important thing for Dave.
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“When they saw the chippy was up for sale in 1989, they both took an enormous leap of faith and bought it.
“It would later turn out to be one of the best decisions they’d ever make.
“Dave worked tirelessly in the chippy for six days a week. Apart from spending time with his family, whom he adored, his life was the chippy.
Dozens gathered for Dave’s funeral at Howe Bridge Crematorium. (Image: Leah Collins) “His hard work and cheeky personality is what kept customers coming back for many years, generation after generation. Many of his customers became close friends.
“In 2016 he won a Bolton News Best Chippy Award after being shortlisted previously, it was an accolade that was richly deserved.
“David and Linda went on to have three grandchildren, who they both absolutely adored.
“When it came to them, nothing was too much trouble for Dave and his paramount importance was always his family.
Bennetts Lane chippy. (Image: Martini Archive)
“He loved his job and he loved to work. If he didn’t have time to work, he would say ‘what would he do’?
“This was the case when he was hospitalised, he was still thinking about getting back to work.
“Today, his family have been inundated with cards and tributes, this is a testament to Dave’s warmth, love and how much the local community respect him.”
A poem written by Dave’s two children, Rebecca and Mark, was read out to the packed crematorium.
This was followed by a speech from Dave’s youngest granddaughter, Jennifer.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jennifer said: “There’s the saying if mum says no, then ask grandma.
“In our family, it was more like the case of ‘ask grandad’ – specifically when it came to anything food-related.
“Grandad used to bring big bottles of tomato sauce to the house for me, he knew how much I loved it.
“That was the type of man he was, if you ever said you liked anything, he would bring endless supplies of it.
“He loved Christmas too, we all used to call him the ‘chief elf’ jokingly. I remember one year I asked for 10 Ken dolls to go with my Barbies and he actually bought me not one, not two, but all 10 for Christmas!
“He always celebrated our milestones as we grew. He said if we were as lucky as he had been to see his grandchildren grow up, then we should treat them exactly the same as he’s spoiled us!
“I will miss seeing him and hearing his voice, he really was my best friend.”
Speaking at the ceremony, David’s son Mark said: “When people say their dad is the best, well they didn’t know my dad.
“He was dependable, he would do anything for anyone and he was overjoyed at becoming a grandad. He was a big kid at heart, which is why the grandchildren all loved him so much.
“My dad was married to my mum for 55 years, together for 59, he loved her to much and they were truly inseparable until the end.
“I wish we’d all had him for longer and he could have had a well-deserved retirement.
“But he passed doing what he loved, which was working. It was his happy place.
“Rebecca and I are so proud that we got to call him our dad.”
Source – INDIA TV
