YORK dad and printer Dave Powell has died of Covid aged 57 - just weeks after the birth of his newest grandson.

And his grieving family are pleading with people to keep following lockdown restrictions and to get their vaccines so they don't have to go through the heartache they are enduring.

Dave, of Clifton Moor, cycled eight miles a day and was described as "the fittest in the family".

He died on March 17 and his funeral took place yesterday at York Cemetery led by celebrant Fiona Brown, his sister in law.

Dave, a printer, worked for many years at Ben Johnson's in York but lately was working for a printers in Scarborough.

He leaves a widow Jane, triplet children Thomas, Rebecca and Victoria, aged 30, and daughter Evie, 24, as well as two grandchildren, Noah, five, and Jacob, who was born just weeks before Dave's death.

READ MORE: Obituary: York printer Dave Powell, 57, who has died from Covid

Jane said: "Dave became ill on February 19. After a long three weeks in hospital in an induced coma on the Intensive Care Unit, Dave sadly lost his fight against Covid.

"In the 42 years we have been together, this is the longest time I was unable to speak to him or see him.

"Dave was a very fit and healthy man with no medical problems prior to contracting Covid.

"I would urge anyone who is against getting the vaccine to reconsider their decision. Please continue to stick to the current guidelines to stay safe."

His daughter Evie, 24, who also contracted Covid, said: "On March 17, our lives changed forever. Our dad sadly passed away due to Covid. Despite being healthy, young, and sticking to government guidelines, he still managed to contract the virus. I, myself, also contracted the virus and spent five days in hospital at the same time as my dad.

"It was a very worrying time being away from family while trying to focus on recovering. I never thought at 24 years old I would end up in hospital with Covid.

"Our dad had so much life left to live especially as he had became a grandad to his second grandson, Jacob, seven weeks earlier.

"I would really urge everyone to get the vaccine, even if you are young, as you are still at risk of this horrible disease."

Dave's brother-in-law, Jonathan Brown, paid a moving tribute.

He said: "Dave was a true gentleman. I wish I could be half the man he was. He was a great man, a great friend - the most likeable person. He did everything for his family and could not do enough for anybody.

"People will remember him with fondness and kindness."

For years, Dave took part in the regular Sunday quiz at the Brigadier Gerard pub.

He said Dave's death is all the more shocking because he was so fit.

"Dave was the fittest in the family. He never learned to drive and would cycle everywhere - he would cycle to the train station and then from the train station at Scarborough to work. It is ridiculous this has happened."

Jonathan, urged people to remain cautious and take care not to contract the virus as we ease out of lockdown. And also for people to get their vaccine. He said it was "ironic" that Dave got an invitation to book his Covid vaccine while he was in hospital.

He added: "You have got to take this seriously. We are one year in and everybody has Covid fatigue. But losing Dave brings it home - we have still got to socially distance, look after yourself and everybody else."

As for the vaccine - he says, don't hesitate. "I can't see any reason not to have it."