DAVID Graham Peacock, who died at Hawick Community Hospital on June 4 in his 96th year, led a full and active life.
Born at 18 Ladylaw Place in 1913, he was brought up at Lockiesedge and had two older brothers and four older sisters. His first proper job, age
d just 14, was as a bakery van delivery driver with Wilton Co-operative Store. That was the start of a lifelong love of driving which he continued for over 76 years, achieving an accident-free unblemished record.
He trained as a motor engineer and was taken on by his uncle, Adam Graham, who ran a car hire and undertakers business in Drumlanrig Square. He was frequently enlisted to drive charabancs and the company hearse and, on one memorable occasion, along with two colleagues, was recruited to take a coffin down to London.
That was a long and arduous drive in pre-motorway days and when he finally got to the metropolis, he was surprised to find that the delivery address was a pub. The coffin was duly taken round the back of the premises and when opened, he was astonished to see he had been carrying a consignment of whisky.
At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, he married Effie Wright and they went on to enjoy a long and happy marriage. During war-time he served in the Royal Air Force and later joined Mitchell the Glaziers in Oliver Crescent, subsequently becoming company secretary and director. He remained with Mitchells until his retirement more than 30 years ago.
Both David and Effie had a long association with the Church of Scotland, David initially serving as a Deacon at St George's Church before moving to Burnfoot in 1952. Over the years, David served in many positions at Burnfoot Church, including Sunday School Superintendent, Session Clerk, Elder and Treasurer, earning a long service award from the Church of Scotland.
Effie remained an enthusiastic member of the Women's Guild until her death in 1996.
David was an active member of the Burnfoot Community, joining the fledgling Tenants' Association and treading the boards with the Burnfoot Drama Group.
He enjoyed public speaking and became a prominent member of the local Toastmasters' Association, colloquially known as the Greetin' Parrot Club.
Over the years, he was also a member of Lodge 424 and the Border, Callants', Conservative and Ex-Servicemen's Clubs. He enjoyed following the rugby fortunes of the Greens, but also liked football, serving for a time as treasurer of Hawick Royal Albert.
He served as Town Councillor for Burnfoot and was Dean of Guild before becoming a Justice of the Peace
