FORMER Hamworthy Heating employee and father of five, David Eaton of Poole, has died at the age of 85.

David, who was known as Dave to friends and loved ones, completed his national service after leaving school and worked in several different factories over time, including Hamworthy Heating, which was based on Poole Quay.

He met his future wife, Molly, who worked as a shop clerk in Speeds Wool Shop in Bournemouth, on the quay while they were both enjoying family entertainment for visitors and residents to enjoy and became a couple soon thereafter.

In a previous report on the couple's 60th anniversary, David had told the Daily Echo that he happened to be in the right place at the right time to meet her.

David and Molly were married less than two years later, on March 19, 1956, in a ceremony at the former St George's Church in Oakdale, which was attended by around 80 people.

In the article on the couple's 60th anniversary, Molly said they had remembered the day being sunny, and guests were then invited afterwards to a hall for a meal, music and entertainment.

Following their wedding, the couple set up home in Wallisdown, where they continued to live throughout their married lives.

David and Molly went on to welcome five children including Janet, Gary, David, Sharon and Richard, followed by 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Last year the couple marked the milestone anniversary with a party at their home with cake and champagne for their family and friends to enjoy.

Molly said that the secret to their long marriage was sharing the workload at home, by working as a team, while David said that he said that he felt lucky to have found the 'best wife' on Poole Quay.

David died on January 2 following a short illness and his funeral took place on Monday, January 16 at Poole Crematorium with donations going to Cancer Research UK.