Tributes paid to David Hardy, stalwart of the community

A memorial service was later held at the Christadelphian church where crowds packed in to remember their cherished teacher, colleague and friend.

And the memory of the “inspirational stalwart” of both kenilworth and Leamington has since rung out with hundreds coming out to share treasured memories and sad goodbyes.

Born in Mansfield in 1938, David came to Kenilworth over 50 years ago. He went on to teach English at Kenilworth Grammar School until he took early retirement in 1989 and dedicated the next 25 years to full time volunteer work with charities in Kenilworth and Leamington.

He remained devoted to literature, setting up and running the book sections for Oxfam, Acorns, Myton Hospice and most recently Headway where he worked right up to his final days.

His brother Mike Hardy said David - nicknamed Jim Hardie after the Western television character - was sorely missed but would never be forgotten.

David also has a sister, Margaret and the three siblings grew up in Nottinghamshire before the aspiring teacher left to study at university in Exeter and Birmingham.

He then found his way to Kenilworth where he settled and became well known and loved.