It is with sadness that we report the death of Dave Broughton, after a long illness.

Dave was with Epsom Coaches from the seventies and enjoyed a long career as a Coach Driver and later, he did an equally good job driving the company’s bus services.  A lifelong Epsom resident, Dave was always at the front and centre of the lively social scene at Epsom Coaches. He was also a longtime member of the Thameside Travel Trade Club, travelling all over the world on various trips. Dave had huge experience of tourism, driving Americans and Japanese around the UK on tour. Always popular with clients and the tour guides, Dave’s sense of humor and driving skills were sorely missed when he retired.

Every year, Dave would dress up as Father Christmas, joining the Epsom Coaches holidays team on a tour of the many agents that sold Epsom products in the area.  At each he would help to celebrate Christmas with the agents, with a Sherry or two, meaning Santa was worse for wear when the day finished. Service beyond the call of duty!

Although Dave did not enjoy the best of health in his later years, he was always in attendance at the reunion events held each Christmas and in celebration of staff long service. Dave himself, was treated to a celebratory lunch on the occasion of his 25 years service, held at the Smith & Western restaurant at Box Hill. Our photographs recall that happy day, with Dave in his element among his many friends.

Dave Broughton will be missed by his many friends and former colleagues, but he leaves behind very happy memories of a larger than life character, who lived life to the full.