Last updated at 16:23, Thursday, 02 August 2012

A FAMILY has paid tribute to their son and father-of-two after he died suddenly this week.

David Wookey died in intensive care in Furness General Hospital on Monday afternoon after being admitted to FGH three days earlier.

The 40-year-old, of Harrison Street, Barrow, was partner to Kelly Baron and dad to Mollie, 10, and Robbie, six.

He was well-known in the town in his former jobs as a cab driver with A1 Taxis and as a window cleaner.

His dad, Bill Wookey, who played rugby for Barrow RL, Workington Town and Blackpool Borough, and mum, Sheila, said the family had been comforted by all the messages of condolence and flowers they had received.

Mrs Wookey described her son as a loveable “Jack the lad” and a bit of a “Del Boy” character. She said: “He was outgoing, a real character. People have all been saying they’re going to miss him. Everybody knew him; everybody took to him.”

Mr Wookey Snr said his son could often be found placing bets and the family would miss his company, colourful tales and his car-owning exploits.

He said: “He is going to be missed coming here with his betting stories. He used to go through a car a week, practically. That’s an exaggeration, but that’s how it felt sometimes.”

Mr Wookey Jnr was the younger brother of sister Lyn and brother Steven.

His mum said he grew up with close friend Mark Salton and was devastated when “Solly” was found dead, aged 38, in Emlyn Street, Barrow, in August last year.

Ms Baron, of Longway, Barrow, said of her partner: “We’re all going to miss him.

“He still thought he was younger than he was. In his heart he was about 21. He would bet on anything.

“If anything came on the telly, even Big Brother, he would know the odds of all the people.”

The family fondly remember the time Mr Wookey Jnr was photographed in the Evening Mail queuing with a friend outside Dandy’s Furniture Store, Barrow, during the winter sales.

Mrs Wookey said: “He bought a tall boy for £49 and sold it to me for £300.

“I knew the price, but I didn’t mind because he was the one who had to stand out in the rain and cold for hours.”

Mrs Wookey smiled as she told how a six-year-old Mr Wookey Jnr took a stack of morning papers from outside a newsagent while the family were in Benidorm.

She said: “He gave one to everybody staying at the hotel. They all told us he’d made their day.”

South and East Cumbria coroner, Mr Ian Smith, has been informed of the death.

First published at 16:22, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk