Tributes paid to truck driver who was ‘mischievous’ and ‘loved by all’
Tributes have been paid to a ‘hard-working man’ who was ‘loved by all’ – and his former company Bleach of Lavant honoured him by sending a truck to accompany the hearse to his funeral.
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.