10-12-08: THE Lympstone community has paid tribute to a much-loved former plumber who died after falling in a brook near his home.

10-12-08: THE Lympstone community has paid tribute to a much-loved former plumber who died after falling in a brook near his home.

Although the body has not been formally identified, he has been named locally as David Stone, 68.

His tragic death has left friends reeling from the loss of a man who dedicated 50 years of his life to Lympstone Football Club.

Mr Stone, of Church Path, was discovered in a brook in Underhill by a passer-by and police believe he fell in on his way home after a night out.

Friend of 28 years and honorary secretary of Lympstone Football Club George Webster said: "He was a groundkeeper, marked the fields and put the nets up for the club - he was never paid and always helped everybody.

"He was a generous chap and was devoted to the club all his life - he was our main fundraiser all these years and became the figure head for the club.

"He was loved by everyone in the village and he loved Lympstone so much."

The club is planning a memorial in tribute to him.

Mr Stone, known as Boney, was born and lived in Lympstone all his life and never married although he is believed to have a brother and three sisters who live in Exmouth.

Landlady of the Globe Inn Christine Matthews, 46, said: "He loved all of Lympstone's pubs but this was his regular and he also played for our darts team.

"It was a pleasure and privilege to know him; he represented the whole village and kept its spirit alive by keeping its traditions like the annual Furry Dance.

"On Monday night when we heard the news we dimmed the lights in the pub out of respect and the villagers just kept coming in for company after the tragic news and to talk of a great man."

A neighbour said: "He was very involved in the local community, always helping out doing bits of plumbing jobs for local people and neighbours."

The police have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and a post mortem will take place to determine the cause of death.

READER TRIBUTES

A dear uncle and god father who will be so sadly missed by us both, and you will always be remembered dearly by us. love to all the family at this very difficult time.

Dave (your god son and nephew) Mandy and Casey.