ALVERDISCOTT parish church was filled to overflowing for the funeral of David Isaac of Alscott Barton, Alverdiscott, writes Muriel Moore, Newton Tracey community correspondent.

Mr Isaac died suddenly and unexpectedly on July 27 at the age of 78.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Scott Patterson, the organist was Trevor Johns, members of the family gave readings and the tribute was given by family friend, Michael Bellew.

David was born on May 23, 1933, at Wallen Barton, Stockleigh Pomeroy, Dartmoor to Reginald and Lucy Isaac.

He was the second of three children with an elder sister, Dora, and a younger sister, Margaret.

The family moved to Harepath Farm, Whiddon Down, when he was five years old and his sister Margaret recalls how they had to walk over two miles to school.

On one return trip from school, they were offered a lift by two American soldiers in a large Army tank, and although David knew they shouldn't accept a lift from strangers, the excitement was too much to say no.

Needless to say their mother was none too pleased when they arrived home.

Margaret also remembers American soldiers throwing handfuls of chewing gum over the school fence at Whiddon Down and the scramble to see who could pick up the most.

Moving to Alscott Barton in 1944 David attended Torrington School for a short while before being sent to board at Shebbear College.

But when allowed to cycle home for a visit one Sunday afternoon, he told his parents of his unhappiness at being away from home.

They found him a place at Barnstaple Grammar School, but he couldn't wait to leave school and get home to work on the farm.

David joined the Young Farmers and his great friend Tom Bellew recalls how they learned more there than they did at school, and they also had great fun together, including going rabbiting. One night they caught 48 rabbits in one field.

Tom says that David was always bright and cheerful and had a smile.

"We helped each other through good and bad times, and he'll never be forgotten."

Through Young Farmers, David met a young lady called Betty Burgess from Chittlehampton, who he married in February 1957 and soon after they started a family – Trevor, Virginia, Mark and Bridget.

All the family enjoyed and helped out with the farming life and with David's great joy in horses, he took great pride in teaching them all to ride.

David was Field Secretary of Torrington Farmers' Hunt for several years before becoming Master of the Stevenstone Foxhounds in 1979 – returning from a day's hunting a favourite meal was homemade stew with dumplings.

As the children grew older David and Betty expanded business into the holiday trade, first offering bed and breakfast then converting farm buildings into holiday cottages, and many guests returned year on year and became good friends.

Next came grandchildren, Victoria, Kate, Annabelle, Jonathon, Steven and Timothy with David and Betty taking great delight in spending time with all of them.

They also had a wide circle of friends and neighbours, who were an incredible support throughout the years, especially during some difficult times.

On retirement they invested in a caravan and travelled extensively from Land's End to the Highlands of Scotland, before adventuring further afield to Ireland and then even crossing the English Channel to France and Spain, something David had originally said he would never do.

Losing his beloved wife Betty in 2006, David found adjusting to life on his own very difficult, but with much courage, self discipline and support from family and very dear friends, he began to enjoy life once more.

He became a member of Torridge Fly Fishing Club and spent many hours at Gammaton reservoir tuning his skills to bring in the best catch of the day.

Dancing on a Tuesday evening with Ocean View Country Music Club was also a pleasure for him, thankfully being able to move nimbly around the floor and having much fun and laughter with local friends, and it was on the dance floor at Alverdiscott Hall that he collapsed – enjoying life to the end, and for this his family are truly grateful.