Tribute paid to ‘valued community member’ who died in collision

Posted on 19 November 2025, at 12:10 in Roads

Family supplied image of David Watch smiling to the camera, in front of his shed at home — A tribute has been paid to David Watch, 83, who died in a collision in Warmley last month.

A ‘valued member of the community’ who sold poppies as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion has been remembered by his family following his death last month.

David Watch, aged 83, from Warmley, South Gloucestershire, died after being involved in a collision with a van while crossing Victoria Road at around 8am on Thursday 9 October.

Officers and paramedics attended the scene, and David was rushed to hospital, where he sadly died of the injuries he suffered later the same day.

Our thoughts remain with the family during this incredibly difficult time, who have received specialist support from a family liaison officer.

David, or Dave to his friends and family, was born in Weymouth in 1942 and moved to Warmley in 1970 where he worked for Bristol Churches Housing Association after serving in the Army.

His family said in a statement: “David was well-liked by his neighbours and friends and loved by his wife Jean, his three adult children, and seven grandchildren.

“In recent years David enjoyed music and sport, and could be found selling poppies as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion, attending his church in Kingswood, playing badminton in Keynsham, playing snooker in Warmley or beating someone at Yahtzee.

“David was a valued member and a pillar of the community, described as a gentleman with a dry sense of humour. He will be missed by us all, but we are grateful for his life, inspired by his legacy, and have peace about his eternity.

“Jean would like to express a heartfelt thanks to passers-by and neighbours from the surrounding houses who acted so compassionately in the immediate moments and days since.”