Teignmouth Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) has paid tribute to the former chair of its lifeboat management group who was instrumental in bringing the lifesaving service back to the town.

David Spencer passed away on Monday (December 15) at the age of 85 after a short illness.

Although he had grown up in London, David was inspired to support the RNLI after seeing the passion his great uncle Cyril showed as honorary secretary of the Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton branch.

David was involved with Teignmouth RNLI for many years and played a huge role in securing Grade II listed status for the Old Lifeboat House in 1989, which led to the RNLI reinstating a lifeboat in Teignmouth the following year for the first time in half a century.

He was presented with the RNLI gold medal in 2004, and a bar was added to his medal in 2016, in recognition of his services to the Institution.

In a tribute, his family said that bringing the lifeboat service back to Teignmouth was one of David’s proudest achievements. ‘He loved the RNLI and was extremely proud of his service,’ his family commented.

David served as Teignmouth Lifeboat Station fundraising chair from 1968 until 1990 before taking on the roles of deputy launching authority, a role he held for 20 years, and chair of the lifeboat management group, a job he was devoted to for nearly 30 years until 2010.

‘David leaves a lasting legacy of duty and service,’ his family stated. ‘His ashes will be scattered by the local crew next year when the tides and weather permit. A fitting final voyage for a loyal and committed volunteer who will be missed.’

‘Everyone at Teignmouth Lifeboat Station extends their condolences to David’s family and friends at this sad time and we offer our sincere thanks for his exceptional service to the RNLI, and to Teignmouth Lifeboat Station,’ a Teignmouth RNLI spokesperson said.