Obituary: David Miller – sailing enthusiast and former chair of the Lymington Sporting Gun Club

TRIBUTES have been paid to sailing enthusiast and former chair of the Lymington Sporting Gun Club, David Miller, who died aged 70.

An active member of the club for over 30 years, David was always ready to offer help and advice to less experienced members and guests.

With his engineering background he also had a huge range of technical expertise in maintaining all things mechanical.

He was described by wife Linda, to whom he was married for 12 years and together for 28, as “larger than life”.

He had a love of fast cars and sailing, and was competitive at both.

She described him as “intelligent and clever, a polymath who could hold court like the best of them and was a great raconteur”.

She added: “He had a brilliant sense of humour – witty and funny.

“He loved to wind people up, but his company and presence were sought after by those he held dear in his heart.”

Together they went on many sailing and skiing holidays to France and Austria, as well as visiting Australia, Greece and Majorca.

He liked history and archaeology, watching cookery programme Masterchef and enjoyed preparing steak, Chinese food and cooked breakfasts.

The couple were regulars at the Chequers in Lymington where they held their wedding reception.

David was praised as a great role model to stepson Matthew since he was 18 years old. He was also step-grandfather to Tom and Heath.

Linda added: “His personality and charm would win you over and his positivity and upbeat attitude was the epitome of David right till the end, despite these last few years of poor health.”

His brother Andy added: “Kids were fascinated by his magic tricks, my own included. I remember on one skiing trip, we were in a restaurant and David was entertaining.

“When we looked about all of the customers had gathered round.

“After the performance the customers sent many rounds of schnapps over – a great night was had by all.”

His friend of over 40 years, Richard Bentine, added: “David was a superlative navigator. He excelled because he was always fascinated with any mechanical process or discipline that required an understanding of how things worked, and then mastering whatever skill set was necessary to win.

“On the Lymington racing scene he was navigator and tactician for over 10 years as a key member of John Flizet’s team on NAZCA II, a Contessa OOD34 that won seven class series championships, achieved two first in class in the Round the Island Race, and numerous other offshore and race wins.”

David, who had been suffering from cancer, died at home on 4th March.

His funeral was held at Bournemouth crematorium on 21st March.

Donations to Oakhaven Hospice or Southampton Hospitals Trust can be made online at www.cpjfield.co.uk/services/169755