Tributes have been pouring in following the death of a member of staff from Hereford County Hospital.
Dave Morgan, logistics team leader in the theatres team at Hereford County Hospital, died on Thursday, January 28, having tested positive for COVID-19.
His funeral is to take place this Friday, February 19, at Hereford Crematorium.
The hearse bearing David’s coffin will drive along Stonebow Road and through the County Hospital grounds where staff will have the opportunity to line the pavements in honour of their popular colleague.
Dave, 59, was born in Hereford and went to the local Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School and Hereford Sixth Form College before joining the RAF where he worked as an Electronics Technician working on flight simulators.
He had worked in Theatres at Hereford County Hospital since 2014 and was described as much loved and everyone’s “go to guy” at the heart of the Theatres’ team by colleagues.
His knowledge of theatres, its equipment, cost and location was encyclopaedic and he was always ready with a kind word, a helpful nod or a funny story.
Jane Ives, the Trust’s managing director, said: “Dave was a great example of what we stand for in this Trust. He played a big part in co-ordinating theatre supplies across the surgical division and will be remembered for his diligence and loyalty.
“Colleagues have vowed that Dave’s vision for more efficient logistics will be completed as his legacy in the Theatre department.
“The whole WVT family is deeply saddened by losing Dave, and our thoughts are especially with his wife, Penny, and his family.
“Our condolences go out to them at this time – we know that through the passion and professionalism he brought to a key role in the Theatres team, many patients – most of whom never met Dave – will have had successful operations and gone on to make full recoveries.”
Dave’s wife, Penny, said: “The whole family is truly devastated at the sudden loss of David. He was my amazing husband and incredible father and grandfather.
“The sadness we feel is more than words can express.
“We would like to thank Hereford County Hospital for the compassionate and outstanding care of David and the extraordinary support from family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
“All donations will be forwarded to Aylestone Park, a favourite place for all the family and pet dog, Emma.”
The funeral procession will pass along Stonebow Road to the mini roundabout and then turn right past the path labs and out of the hospital site via the rear access road onto Union Walk at 10am this Friday, February 19.
Jane added: “Dave’s passing has left a huge void in the Theatres’ team and he will be very much missed by us all”.
Members of the public have also joined in by paying tribute to Dave
Carole Micarelli – “I am very sorry and sad for Penny and the family. I was in Dave’s class at Bishops school. Way too young to have been lost.”
AnnieRuss Freeman – “So terribly sad. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
Daniel James Anthony Russell – “RIP Dave. You will be sadly missed, your whole demeanour made theatres what is was. You always had a kind word, a smile and a laugh. May our thoughts be with Penny in this difficult time.”
Steven Harris – “RIP Dave. Was at 6th Form with him, he was a DJ in those days with his own mobile disco. Many a good night with Dave at the turntables. Condolences to his family.”
Maggie Lloyd – “Sincere condolences to Dave’s family and friends, sadly another precious life lost.”
Del Wargen – “Always a friendly smile even when I was on the beg. Much love and strength to his family. RIP Dave.”
