18.05.2009

David Maddicott 1938-2009

David Maddicott founder and owner of Dainton Crane Hire, of Heathfield near Newton Abbot, Devon sadly passed away last Thursday, following a major heart attack.

Maddicott, has been taken to hospital by his partner Jenny for a pre-operation appointment. However he was feeling unwell so she went inside to cancel the appointment and found him unconscious when she returned to the car. Paramedics tried to revive him and rushed him to Torbay Hospital but despite was pronounced dead on arrival.
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David Maddicott

Maddicott, 71, began as an agricultural contractor then moving into plant hire, forming Dainton Excavators in the early 1970s graduating to cranes and then self storage, owning Finlake Leisure Park along the way. He also a prominent and active member of Ipplepen parish council.

He is survived by his partner Jenny and his two sons Jon, 35, and Paul, 33 who said: "The term wheeler dealer suited him to a tee, he always had an eye for a deal. On Monday he had talked about retiring at Christmas, I have two children Isabella, two, and William, 20 months. I am heartbroken that they will not see the side of him that we have. He was a wonderful man — a true trader and businessman.”

The funeral will be held on Thursday May 21st at 11.30am at Dainton Manor Newton Abbot, TQ12 5TZ

His son Paul said: “He will be wearing his Timberland boots, Gap jeans and blue-striped shirt with a packet of Benson and Hedges in his pocket, a lighter, his mobile phone and £20 so he can buy some more fags on the other side. We want anyone who knew him to come to celebrate his life."