ONE of Malton’s well-known characters has died.

David Snaith, who previously ran a book shop in Market Place, was a familiar figure in the town where he had lived for a number of years.

Four years ago, the Gazette & Herald ran a story appealing for information after Mr Snaith faced being made homeless because he was unable to provide any form of identification.

Following pressure from Ryedale Citizens Advice Bureau, a member of the pension service agreed to meet Mr Snaith and allocated him a National Insurance number enabling him to claim his legal entitlement to benefits and also a tenancy by a local housing association in Chandler’s Wharf.

Stephen Shaw, who runs Dicken’s Deli in Malton, said: “I have known him for many years as one of the ‘characters’ of Malton, a fleeting but regular image in Malton Market Place, and as a customer in the café. His ragged and dishevelled appearance, his bulging carrier bags full of food for the stray cats and his thick Arran jumper, even in the height of summer, will remain imprinted in my mind for many years to come.

“David was always a bit of a mystery, an enigma, and usually a solitary figure. That was of his choosing. Those who did not know him would probably take a seat a good distance away in the café, wary of his appearance and manner, but Those who knew him would delight in his company, his eloquence and his incisive and humorous comments on life and living. Never judge a book by its cover.”

Mr Shaw added: “Underneath this ragged image, which even made me look tidy by comparison, was a heart of gold and an intelligence which could challenge many. Yes he was untidy, yes he was unkempt and yes he would fall asleep in the café, but I and many more will miss him. David was a cynic and very critical of Government, politicians, local government, those providing utility services, charitable organisations, the police and the Fitzwilliam Estate.

“In fact, I think he was critical of almost everything which interfered in his simple demands for living and the lives of others.

“He was one of those individuals whose comments and observations were uncomfortable to listen to yet rooted in a truth you could not deny.

“Sadly David’s pilgrimage through life has come to an end. It is ironic that someone who only wanted to get through life without hurting anyone and only wanted the simplest of existences, has left a void in my picture of this community which will not easily be filled.”