One of Keswick’s big characters, who was highly respected on the rugby field during a long playing career, has died, aged 82.
David Peill, who had lived in Keswick all his life, died at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, last Wednesday following a long illness.
“He was very well known around the town and was known for being very funny,” said his daughter, Susan Moorby. “He gave everybody in Keswick a nickname and they still stick to this day.
“He always fought for the underdog and if anyone needed help, either physically or financially, he was there for them.
“If he walked into a pub, everybody knew him. He was also a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.”
Mr Peill was educated at the town’s former Lairthwaite School, which is now where Keswick School is sited, and was a member of Keswick Sea Cadets where he discovered a love of boxing which served him well when he did his national service with the RAF.
As a youth he was also keen on rugby and enjoyed climbing expeditions in the Lake District.
He went on to play rugby as a hooker for Keswick and Workington Zebras and did not give up the game until he was 55.
Many a young player has benefited from his advice and words of encouragement.
“He never coached or anything but I have had a lot of messages from players who said that if they needed help, he was always there,” said Susan.
Mr Peill was also a keen darts player and threw arrows at the Lake Road Vaults for many years.
He was a respected builder and set up his own business called Derwent Builders after serving his apprenticeship at the former I&R Hodgson building company.
He did a lot of work for the National Trust and the water board as well as his private work.
