Tributes paid to truck driver who was ‘mischievous’ and ‘loved by all’

Dennis Puttick of West Lavant died aged 94 earlier this month.

His son, David Puttick has described him as a ‘lovely man with a mischievous sense of humour’.

Mr Puttick worked as a driver for Bleach of Lavant for more than 30 years.

His son David said: “He was born in 1927, grew up during the war years and lived in a family of farm workers in West Lavant.

“He left school at 14 and started working on farms.

“In 1962 he took a risk and left the farm and started to work for [road freighters] Bleach of Lavant where he worked for more than 30 years. He would drive all over the country – he loved it.

“It was before Sat Navs and he soon knew the names of roads all over the place.

“He was a lovely man and very active.

“He worked at the time and up until he reached his 90s he was looking after his garden and allotment.

“He had a really mischievous sense of humour and twinkle in his eye and he always put other people first.

“He was loved by everyone who knew him.

“While we always knew what a lovely man he was, it has really brought home to us what a sweet, sweet man he was. How privileged we’ve all been to have had him in our lives for so long.

“So, while this is a time of great sadness it’s also a time of gratitude. Looking back over Dad’s life, you’d say he had a hard life. I doubt he’d agree; he was always grateful for whatever life brought.”

Bleach of Lavant, which is celebrating its centenary this year, sent a truck to accompany Mr Puttick’s hearse to Chichester Crematorium.

Mick Bleach, managing director of Bleach of Lavant, and son of Mr Puttick’s longest-standing boss Mick Bleach Snr, described him as a ‘well liked’ and ‘hard working’ member of the team. On sending a company truck to escort the coffin, Mick said: “I was happy to do that. It was to thank [Dennis] for all his hard work for all the years he worked for us – those days were fairly tough.”

Mr Puttick died on July 1 following a long-term illness.

Around 30 family members and friends were able to attend the funeral which was held at Chichester Crematorium on July 21.