The family of 23-year-old David Pech, who died on Thursday (March 4) as a result of his injuries in a road accident at Metheringham on February 28, have spoken of their sorrow in losing a 'wonderful family man and friend' with an 'infectious nature' that 'inspired and touched others'. They are comforted by the knowledge that David was extremely happy in life. He had recently described his life as perfect.
Mr Pech lived on Howard Road, at RAF Digby, with his wife of 16 months, Becky, also 23. Having both always lived in Lincolnshire, David and Becky had also known each other for years before becoming a couple. They met through Becky's brother James. David and Becky have a 5-month-old son called Nathan.
David was extremely dedicated to his work in the RAF and he had always wanted to pursue this career and intended it to be his life-long occupation. He currently worked at RAF Coningsby in ground radio and had just been promoted to Corporal - an impressive achievement at the age of 23.
"David joined the RAF when he was 16. It was all he ever wanted to do and he was very ambitious", said Becky. "He thought long-term and knew what he wanted - he had plans to be a Sergeant. He was dedicated and very proud of his work. David did a lot of volunteer work with the 1237 Squadron Air Cadets, which he loved. He had been involved with the cadets in North Hykeham since the age of 13."
David's parents, Paul and Elaine Pech, of Lincoln, spoke of the pride they feel in what their son had achieved. They also touched on some of his earlier interests. "David was involved with All Saints Church on Brant Road from the age of 12, as an altar boy, and he kept up his involvement. "His interest in the RAF was his calling in life from an early age. David loved his job and we are very proud of him and his achievements", said his father Paul.
David was described by his friends and colleagues as 'a thoroughly nice man' who bonded well with everyone in his training and inspired other people. He was able to 'hold his own in many random verbal confrontations' and had a 'hilariously funny, dry humour'. He was very popular, with lots of friends in and out of work and this was highlighted by the large number of visitors he had in hospital; a testimony to the number of people whose lives he touched.
"I've known David since I was 13. We also lived together for two years. He had an infectious attitude and inspired everyone he met. Everyone who knew him was touched by his character - he made such an impact", said one of David's best friends, Luke Parkes, of Lincoln.
Russell Spink, another of David's close friends, said: "Whether you'd known him 10 minutes or 10 years, it was a case of 'once met, never forgotten'."
Amongst the wonderful experiences David and Becky shared together was the birth of their son, just five months ago.
"David was a wonderful father, very hands-on", said Becky, "and Nathan has definitely been a 'daddy's boy'." Becky also remembers fondly the couples' two-week honeymoon in Florida. "We have had some wonderful times. We always did whatever we wanted to. We loved life and were very happy."
Mother-In-Law Sue Knight, of Skellingthorpe, talked about David's humour. "He called me his Monster-In-Law, which I tried to live up to!" she said. Sue also spoke of Davids absolute love of life. She feels David and Becky's happiness is something the whole family needs to hold in their memory to stay strong at this unbearable time.
"Becky and David had known each other for many years through their contact via James and involvement with Cadets, and they were so right for each other. They were so very happy. Both of them had said recently how much they loved their life together. David said his life was perfect - he loved his job, he loved his family. We are thankful that he was so happy in life - and we feel Nathan being born was someone looking down and blessing Becky and David with a child, to continue David's life and legacy. Nathan gives Becky a reason to carry on", said Sue.
"David was a wonderful man - we couldn't have loved him more and we will all miss him every minute of every day."
