David Peasgood, who died on 8 November, 2007, was the larger-than-life arts guru of Grimsby. Ever jovial, he was an author, director, freelance writer, set designer and builder, Caxton Theatre stalwart and a keen walker.

Following his death from liver disease at the age of just 48, a concert at the Caxton Theatre was staged in his honour. It featured a mixture of performance, speeches, songs and games, all reflecting his winning personality.

David was born in Grimsby and grew up in Newmarket Street, attending Nunsthorpe School and later Wintringham School. He worked for 23 years as a production manager for a major chemicals firm.

In his spare time he put his heart and soul into the town’s dramatic life as part of the Caxton Players theatre group. He had also had several books about Grimsby published.

He married Sandra in 1980 and they had two sons and two daughters.

“He was incredibly kind. He loved all his children very much,” said his eldest daughter Emily. “He was an inspiration to me and inspired me to follow in his footsteps. He loved the Caxton Theatre, directing, acting and set designing. He was really talented. We have all become creative because of him.”

His wife said: "He was a once-in-a-lifetime person, who me and the children loved more than we could express and we will miss him. It will leave a huge gap in our lives. He had a great pride in mine and his children's achievements and we know that he will be with us forever."

A plaque and a framed picture of David was unveiled at the concert which was devised by his family and best friend Rob Till. It was made up of several pieces including poetry readings, songs and video clips of David’s performances at the Caxton Theatre.

His sister, Julie Peasgood, a well known soap star and television presenter, said at the concert on 16 December, 2007: "How moving it is to be here today and just to celebrate his life with the people who loved him and to rejoice in what an amazing person he was."

He died at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London, where he had moved four months previously, after being ill for several weeks. He was survived by his wife and their four children.