DAVID Bode who has died aged 90 was born and brought up in Exelby, North Yorkshire, the son of Geoffrey Bode a well-known and successful pedigree pig breeder.

David’s talents became apparent when during his National Service in 1949 he was selected to run for the Army competing against athletic legends Christopher Chataway, Chris Brasher and Roger Bannister.

He had been educated at Stowe School where he was encouraged to pursue his passion for all types of sport including athletics, sailing, golf and squash.

However, after leaving the Army, he decided to join his father in the farming business rather than chase his dreams as an aspiring athlete.

Applying himself with equal vigour to his career in farming G.B. & D.E. Bode was a highly successful business winning the Smithfield show’s top awards during the 1950’s.

David married in 1953 moving from the family home in Exelby near Bedale to a newly built house in the hamlet of Cowling, near to his main farm at High Pond House.

His passion for all things sporting had not diminished. Having inherited his father’s love of motorcycles he competed in the famous Scott Trial event on five occasions, winning the coveted Silver Spoon award given to riders who manage to complete the arduous 70 plus mile course within “standard time”.

His other sporting achievements mainly centred on golf. As a scratch player he helped design the course for Bedale Golf Club when it moved back to its old original location in the late 1960’s, becoming club captain and eventually club President.

As a farmer he was also able to help with equipment and advice on Greens Keeping in the early days.

David had a strong belief in helping others less fortunate. He would take in those he referred to as Gentleman of the Road, providing a bath, fresh clothes and a hot meal before finding them a safe shelter.

He did voluntary work for Northallerton prison, visiting prisoners who had no family, and he served on the prison parole review board for many years, including a Chair of the local Board.

David was a dedicated family man and utilised his passion for engineering to build somewhat unorthodox vehicles from scrap materials for his children and grandchildren to learn to drive.

He would take great delight in seeing his creations being driven furiously around the farm and garden and encouraged all to have a go.

He is sadly missed as an inspiring patriarch whom the whole family admired and loved in equal measure.

David leaves behind his wife Delma, and two children Jane and William