A GALLERY owner has died after being diagnosed with a terminal illness earlier this year.

Dave Davies, a much loved father, partner, businessman and resident of Woodstock, passed away on October 10, aged 62.

Mr Davies grew up in Kidlington, with his friend Nic Griffiths saying ‘we all knew he was going to go on and achieve things in life, and do it with a big smile on his face’.

Mr Davies was a born entrepreneur, creating several business ventures throughout his life, including Oxford Electrical and the Lumière lighting shop in north Oxford.

Oxford Mail:

Later ventures saw him become a property developer and the founder of a solar panel company, before setting up his final project, the Dantzig Gallery in Woodstock.

Able to make friends with anyone, his partner Beth Lumb said it would take hours just to pop for a pint of milk, as everyone would want to stop and talk.

Among his friends was The Duke of Marlborough, who said: “As a Woodstock resident I remember Dave with great fondness and his enthusiasm for Woodstock and its residents was admirable.

“If there was a party you could guarantee that Dave would be the life and soul of it. He will be sorely missed and I send my condolences to his family at this very sad time.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr Davies will be remembered for his love of music, partying, and loud shirts.

He also played an active role in the local Woodstock community, as a member of the local business support group Wake up to Woodstock, and then as a town councillor.

Mathew Parkinson, mayor of Woodstock, said: “Dave was a happy, funny and generally an all round nice guy. He cared about others and was a great listener.

“Even after he was unable to continue as a councillor he continued to send me messages once or twice a week with ideas to help and improve the place he loved.

“I have never seen such joy and celebration in Woodstock when he was elected to the town council, I truly believe he changed the way people in the town perceived local politics.”

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Close friend Mr Griffiths added: “Dave was the kind of man that so many of us looked up to, from his early days growing up around Kidlington, right up to his recent tragic death.

“His joyous nature, kind heart, beaming smile and extremely loud shirts, all went to sum up the man he was, and why we all loved him so much, and why we will all miss him terribly.

“His beloved Man Utd, with many trips to Old Trafford, music, socialising, shopping and travelling were just some of the things Dave loved to do, but the birth of his two girls, Hattie & Issie filled his life with joy and he was such a proud father.

“His love of life lit up any room and rubbed off on anyone he met, which was a true gift.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr Davies supported his partner after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, his death now leaving Woodstock without its life and soul.

His final resting place is the North Oxfordshire Crematorium and Memorial Park, near to his hometown.

Mr Davies leaves two daughters, Issie and Hattie, and his partner Ms Lumb.