A WELL-LOVED father-of-two from Harpenden died suddenly this week following a heart attack. David Singleton, 56, owner of Billy s Bar and Restaurant in Harpenden and Barney s Bar and Restaurant in St Albans, died in the early hours of Monday morning at hi

A WELL-LOVED father-of-two from Harpenden died suddenly this week following a heart attack.

David Singleton, 56, owner of Billy's Bar and Restaurant in Harpenden and Barney's Bar and Restaurant in St Albans, died in the early hours of Monday morning at his family home in West Common Way, Harpenden.

David, who leaves his wife Jo and two teenage sons, was a long-serving rugby coach and supporter at Harpenden Rugby Club (HRFC). Chairman of HRFC Jonathan Edwards said that he was an indispensable member of the club for over 15 years.

He added: "David was a coach, a mentor and even a cook: he fed the team after a match almost every night!"

David's son Michael, aged 18, plays for the HRFC first team and as well as playing for the St George's Secondary School rugby team, David's youngest son Jack, aged 14, is in the HRFC's under-14s squad.

Jonathan, who socialised with David outside the rugby club, said that the Harpenden bar owner was always helping out in the town: "He was very much a community-spirited person and would do anything for anyone. He would often lend hog roasts and barbeques to organisations such as St George's School, or the Harpenden Highland gathering."

He added: "David was a true community player and he always had a twinkle in his eye. He faithfully supported his sons at their rugby matches no matter what the weather was and there is no doubt that he will be greatly missed by everybody.