The family of a Whitehawk stonemason who tragically died after his van plunged off cliffs say he’ll be remembered as the man who put a smile on people’s faces.
Dave Routhan, 42, was driving his silver Vauxhall van when it went over the cliffs east of Brighton Marina, near Roedean School last month.
Emergency services attended, but sadly Mr Routhan, of Nuthurst Place, died at the scene.
His son Rhys said: “My dad was a self-employed stonemason who enjoyed riding his motorbikes (motocross), going to the gym, working, walking his beloved dogs, being with his close friends and supporting Liverpool Football Club.
“To name a few of his vast array of achievements were setting up his own successful business, becoming a father, fitness related goals, and recently passing his motorbike test after many years of riding just motocross.
“My Dad will be remembered as the man who always put a smile on people’s faces and lit up the room.
“He was a hardworking, caring, and loyal family man. A man who always put others before himself, and who wanted what was best for his family and close friends.
“He would never let anyone down and would do everything he could to make someone close to him feel happy, feel loved, and feel appreciated.
“From making family members and friends smile, to even his own customers through work smile, he would always try his best to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
“No one had a bad word to say about him. Happy go lucky, cheeky, funny, loyal, smart, and the best father to myself, that’s how my Dad (David) will be remembered.”
David leaves behind Rhys (son), Lorraine (mother), Darren, Nigel, Suzannah and Simon (brothers/sister/brother-in-law), Jon and Sarah (nephew/niece), and David ‘Boyce’ Negus (best friend).
The crash happened shortly after 6.30am on Sunday 12 May. An inquest will be held on September 12.
