A FORMER raceway marshal who was a familiar face on the Ringwood circuit for 38 years has been remembered for his love of the sport and for being a “true and kind-hearted gentleman”.

A fitting send-off was held for Dave Windel on Thursday with race drivers, marshals and staff joining together to celebrate the life of the father-of-two from Woodgreen.

The funeral procession, led by raceway stock cars and followed by family and friends made its way through the snow for a service at Woodgreen Village Hall.

His wife Margaret said: “He loved dragsters and was always interested in racing.

“[He liked] the thrills and spills and the comradery at the raceway.

“He loved the destruction derbies, especially the caravans which was something to see. He loved it.”

Dave’s passion for racing was sparked when he was introduced to the sport in 1979 at Matchams raceway, which is now known as Ringwood Raceway.

Margaret added: “Rain or shine in sickness and in health he was at the raceway.”

The 69-year-old volunteered as a race marshal until December last year when his health declined.

During his working life, he was employed at National Tyres in Salisbury, a laundry business in Fordingbridge, Salisbury Glass and Heritage Window Systems.

Prior to this he served in the army for three years.

And in his retirement he would do his bit to help the local community including helping people with their gardening, assisting with local events and at the village hall.

“He would help anybody,” said Margaret. “He genuinely wanted to help.”

Margaret says she will remember his “cheeky smile” the most, adding: “He was very stubborn and cheeky and would do anything for a laugh.”

Dave died on February 9 after being diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer.

Margaret has praised the “amazing” support they received from Salisbury Hospice Charity.

A collection was held for the charity in memory of Dave.

The celebration of Dave’s life saw the village hall and St Boniface Church packed out.

He leaves his wife Margaret and their children David and Cheryl and two grandchildren.

Margaret says it was a “perfect send-off” for David - combining his love for racing and the snow.

His son David is following in his father’s footsteps by marshalling at the raceway.

Craig Robinson, of Ringwood Raceway, said he was a “very dedicated” and “well respected” member of

the team.

He added: “Dave would always be the highlight of the meetings with his jokes and speciality gurning, we have been truly blessed over the years to of

had Dave within our racing family and his DNA is firmly etched and will continue to be remembered with not only our staff but also the drivers

who had the utmost respect for such a true and kind-hearted gentleman.

“Dave was always willing to help out regardless of the tasks given to him and his legacy and good nature we know will be with us for many many years to come.”