HORSHAM’S David Chilver is remembered as a generous family man by those who knew him best.
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The electrician passed away peacefully on Tuesday at his Horsham family home at the age of 65.
He is survived by his wife Kaye Chilver; his children Stuart Chilver, Claire Lawes and Justin Chilver; and his 6-year-old granddaughter Maddison.
David Chilver was born in Horsham on February 8, 1953. His father worked at a local motor mechanic shop and his mother was a cook.
He completed his primary schooling at Horsham Central and attended Horsham Technical College.
During Form Five, he started an apprenticeship to be an electrician. It was the start of a career that would see him begin his own business in 1988. Mr Chilver trained seven apprentices during his career.
In 1975 he met Kaye and the pair were married in 1977. The couple had three children.
Mrs Chilver said her husband would be remembered as a loving, family man.
“His life was his family, his work and his community; family always came first for him,” she said.
“Maddison was always the apple of his eye; they had an amazing and very strong bond.”
Mr Chilver was devoted to his community and was involved in the local Scout movement for 27 years. He was the leader of Fourth Horsham Scouts group and made his way up to become district commissioner.
His dedication was rewarded when he was honoured with the Medal of Merit and the Silver Koala for services to scouting.
“He loved being outdoors and helping young people,” she said.
Mr Chilver joined the Horsham Leo Club as a young man and later became a member of the Horsham Lions Club, serving as president for two terms. Last year, he was honoured with the prestigious Lions International Melvin Jones Fellowship.
As a devoted Essendon Football Club fan, Mrs Chilver said one of the highlights of her husband’s life was meeting Kevin Sheedy.
He was always willing to help others who were less fortunate than himself.
- Kaye Chilver
“David was a quiet achiever in everything he did,” she said.
“He was always willing to help others who were less fortunate than himself. But he never wanted recognition for it or the limelight. He was a very community minded and humble man.
“We did everything together; we got the travel bug a few years ago and he loved travelling.
“We didn’t realise how much he was respected in the community until his passing.”
Mr Chilver’s son Justin Chilver echoed his mother’s sentiments.
“He wanted to help people in any way he could,” he said.
“The messages that we have received all say that he was a gentleman and that he went out of his way to help people.
“His passing has affected a lot of people. We have been told by clients that he put so much effort into his work, and that he was a true professional and a pleasure to work with.”
Mr Chilver’s eldest son Stuart Chilver said he had fond memories of his father.
“He was always there to support me at every graduation or ceremony, whether it was for the police or army,” he said.
Mr Chilver’s daughter Claire Lawes said her father was always there for the family.
“He was a very hands-on dad; he would always be there for school pick up, help us get ready in the morning and be there to read a book to us before bed,” she said.
“Us kids were his life, and family always came first.”
David Chilver’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at 11am at Horsham Anglican Church.
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