Hundreds gather to remember harbour master
HUNDREDS of mourners packed into a church to say a final farewell to popular Chichester Harbour Master John Davis.
The funeral of Lieutenant Colonel Davis took place yesterday at St James Church, in Emsworth, with family and friends paying their last respects to him.
His coffin, draped in the Union flag, was brought in by pall bearers, followed by two buglers and a national standard bearer from the Royal Marines.
The service was conducted by Reverend Simon Sayers, while tributes were paid by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy (CHC), Royal Marines, and his children Ben and Becky.
Peter Taylor, of the CHC, said: 'John ran the 10,000 or so boats like a military operation. He undoubtedly made an outstanding contribution to the job.
'He was a superb communicator and devoted husband to Valerie and father to Ben and Becky.
'He will be fondly remembered and we must give his family the love and support for the difficult days ahead.'
Mr Davis' son, Dr Ben Davis also paid tribute, saying: 'His children could not wish for a happier family, we are both incredibly proud.
'Dad was a gentle giant and we will learn a lot from him in how to raise our children.'
His daughter Dr Becky Reeves also read the poem A Ship Sails.
Lt Col Davis, 62, had been out racing in his beloved keel boat Fleury when he collapsed with a suspected heart attack last month.
He was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A former Royal Marine, Lt Col Davis was a keen sailor and took up the post of Chichester Harbour Master in 1997.
In 2005 Lt Col Davis was awarded the OBE for his services to sailing and the environment.
He is survived by his wife Valerie and his two children, Ben and Becky.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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