Tributes paid to David Oldfield who sadly lost his life this month

David Oldfield, from Shotton, died at the age of 81 on December 7, after suffering from a brain haemorrhage about four weeks ago.

David and his wife Alice received an MBE for their work in foster care, after caring for over 125 children in over 25 years.

The couple began fostering in 1989 and were awarded the MBE in 2013, where they met Prince Charles.

Son Brendan Oldfield said: “Dad was very enterprising, sociable and caring. He was not afraid to try things and didn’t let anything stop him.”

David was born in Flint but after travelling the world whilst serving in the Navy, he emigrated to Australia for two years, then moved to New Zealand for five years before returning back to Shotton where he stayed for 40 years.

David Oldfield pictured with his son Brendan, images above and below

Brendan said his dad, who completed a degree in Fine Art at the age of 70, would do anything for anyone.

He added: “I am very proud of him and what he achieved, the nice part of it was that they fostered over 125 children and those kids are adults now.

“They are still ringing up my mum to have a chat. I imagine there’s going to be quite a large number at the funeral but it’s nice they keep in touch.

“They didn’t have a father figure back then and they treated my dad like that. He touched so many people’s lives. It was a team effort between my mum and my dad.

“He was the beloved husband of Alice, much loved Father of Michelle, Craig, Lee and Brendan, loving Brother of Renee, loving Grandad and Taid and a devoted Foster Dad.”

Brendon added: “Buckingham Palace was an amazing weekend and we took him to Paris for one weekend which he loved.

“Another highlight for me, it was a big moment, me and dad had never watched a snooker game live and we went to Llandudno to watch Ronnie O'Sullivan play and he absolutely loved it, he said it was like watching magic.

“A lot of us in the family are Freemasons and there’s a lot of charity work around that. He was big on helping other people, he liked to give people a leg up and do whatever he could to help.

“It has been really hard for us all, losing dad, but they were doing what they could.

“He is well known in the community, especially around Shotton.”

David and Alice Oldfield receiving their MBE

Family friend, Cllr Gary Cooper, paid tribute saying Dave was a "talented and gifted man" with "a heart of gold, caring for all those children along with his wife Alice who they fostered.”

David was sent to the Countess of Chester hospital before being transferred to Walton but never regained consciousness.

A funeral will be held at 12pm on Monday, December 23 at Rivertown Church in Shotton. Refreshments will be available from 1.30pm at the Fairfield Hall in Connah’s Quay and the bar will be open until 7pm.

Donations will be accepted in David's memory to The Walton Centre and The League of Friends at Deeside Community Hospital.