With the unfortunate passing of Dave Edwards, known locally as ‘Mr Christmas’, many in the local community are likely to have been touched by the devastating news.
Mr Edwards was a Christmas icon in Watford and Croxley after holding eye-catching festive decorations and lights for the past 42 years at Lancing Way, Croxley Green.
His daughter Sharon Markham confirmed that he passed away last night (November 13) at 6.42pm, shortly before the final Christmas lights switch-on that will take place tonight at 6pm.
His annual Christmas events and wonderous decorations were a marvel for all in the community, and it became part of the festive tradition to gander at the spectacle.
The Watford Observer hopes to collect words of respect from the community who either knew Mr Edwards personally, or those simply thankful for his extraordinary efforts over the year.
There will also be many other ways today to honour him – and here is a roundup of how:
The final Christmas House switch-on
His daughter believed that Mr Edwards was holding on to see the lights display this year – as it was sadly expected to be his last.
While he passed away shortly before the event, it appears the switch-on will still continue in honour of ‘Mr Christmas’.
The switch-on will be held virtually and streamed via Facebook at around 5.55pm due to current lockdown restrictions.
To tune-in, visit the Mr Christmas fundraising lights Lancing Way Croxley Green Facebook page.
#LightUpCroxley
Members of the public are working to encourage Croxley residents and even those further to light up their windows and houses today and raise money for the family.
The money fundraised here is separate from the charity money fundraised by the family, as this will go directly to the family.
Residents are asked to light up their windows as a sign of respect tonight, and if they wish to donate then visit: https://gf.me/u/y79wsb
Take a picture for charity
Sophie Wilson, a local photographer, hopes to share her thanks to Mr Edwards by offering free doorstep photographs of families over the Christmas period.
All that is asked is a £25 donation that will go directly to the fundraiser organised by Mr Edward’s family. The photographer will go to front doors and take socially distanced photos for Christmas.
She said: “I spoke to my friend Sharon earlier this week and asked if I could help with the fund raising as I felt a connection with this being such a poignant year. I love the charities they support and wanted to do my bit to help with the fundraising efforts.
"All of the money raised goes to The Peace Hospice and to MASK.”
These Christmas lockdown pictures can be taken from today until January 6. To make a booking then either visit the Sophie Wilson Photography Facebook page or call on 07939311515.
Pay tribute here
The Watford Observer wishes to share messages of thanks from the public. If you have a message for Mr Edwards and his family, a fond memory of the Christmas events, or any fantastic pictures from the past – let us know here:
Community answers
Send your messages of thanks to Mr Christmas here!
"Dave Edwards is the meaning of Christmas" according to close family friends. But what impact has he and his annual Christmas events had on you? If you have fond memories of Dave himself, or of the events leave a message of thanks and why it was special to you. If you have any pictures from previous Christmas events, then also share it here."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
What is your response?RIP Dave and thank you for years of smiles you have given us. My parents live in Rugby Way and we have always loved coming home at Xmas time and stopping to see the lights . become a tradition! Both my parents are in their 80s and ill at the present time but we will remember many happy years of f these lights and all the kids lit up faces thank you. X
What is your response?10 years ago - my radio producer at the time, Aussie Heather, introduced me to this beautiful man. Quickly, "The Loon round the corner with the Christmas lights" became a friend. He was everyone's friend - but over the years we developed a very special bond. I was enormously fond of David, as he was of me. Making him even more famous in Hertfordshire was the greatest privilege of my 9 years on the radio there. Spending time with him was the greatest of honours. The success of my stint on that show with Heart Hertfordshire was to make other people the stars. Dave absolutely LOVED being the centre of attention. He was a very modest man in very many ways, but you could tell he loved the fame. I loved letting him have it. I said, many years ago, that I wasn't sure Christmas would ever start if his lights didn't illuminate. It turns out that, rather sadly, we're going to have to see if that really is the case. Thank you for every single memory. They will be carefully cherished for a lifetime.
Your pictures
Radio Presenter Daniel Fox and Dave Edwards 
Radio Presenter Daniel Fox and Dave Edwards 
Radio Presenter Daniel Fox and Dave Edwards What is your response?Visiting the house in Lancing Way has been a family tradition on Christmas Eve for many years. We will visit again this year as usual.
What is your response?I will always remember Running round full elf mode getting ready for switch on and him always making sure I have eaten and had a cuppa! He wouldn’t let me leave without food or tea! Our chats and cuddles! Love you Dave ??
Your pictures
Live long in my heart ?? 
Once an elf always an elf! Your never too old! What is your response?Mr and Mrs Christmas- what can I say? The most amazing people you could meet. They continued to give, no matter what. You have left such a massive hole in my life. ! My heroes! My life will never be the same again. We miss you so much mum and dad x
Your pictures
Mr Christmas meets Rak-Su What is your response?Last year me, my son and daughter got to be elves.
Your pictures
Naughty elf Tadhg 
Amazing night. 
Elf Ciara-mae 
They got him What is your response?Mr & Mrs Christmas They lit up Croxley literally! My daughter grew up with the annual lights! My father and mother in law who are no longer with us, enjoyed the happiness those lights gave! Christmas hadn’t officially started until we’d had the light switch on. What wonderful caring people Mr & Mrs Christmas were. They will be very much missed. Suzanne, Steve & Holly Barry
Your pictures
The lights 2016 
Holly & Cousin Georgina Send your messages of thanks to Mr Christmas here!
Dave Edwards is the meaning of Christmas" according to close family friends. But what impact has he and his annual Christmas events had on you? If you have fond memories of Dave himself, or of the events leave a message of thanks and why it was special to you. If you have any pictures from previous Christmas events, then also share it here.
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