I first met Dave after moving in to a house a few doors away from him. He was working on his car in the street and I said "Hi". A simple greeting that would change my life; because having Dave as a friend did indeed change my life. "Beer nights" at the Victoria Lodge would see discussions with no topics taboo. From drunken student antics, to the latest in scientific discoveries. He was always ready to lend a hand no matter how busy he was, I've never yet met anyone else as patient as Dave. His love for life always shone through and rubbed off on those around him. A shining light has been extinguished and can't be replaced.

Dave was a year ahead of me in as secondary school when we first met. We lost touch for a few years when we left, as happens. We reconnected through mutual friends & he became my 2nd favourite brew spec. (Those that know, will know 😊), he wasn't quite as pretty as the 1st 😆 but best if all it didn't matter the time of day or night, if the light was on so was the kettle. He may not have known it then but he was a great support to me in my career after having dealt with a few 'incidents'. His ready smile and chirpy demeanor (not to mention great biscuits! 😁) got me though a lot. Later, during the 'church of lager' days, the same and more was true over a beer or three at the pub. Our great loss was New Zealand's huge gain. Now we have all lost a dearly loved friend, mentor and family man. RIP Dave, missing you again.

Dave came bursting into my life nearly 30 years ago. A bundle of exuberance and a lust for life. He brightened just about every occasion and gave generously of himself. His easy laugh will stay with me the most. Although I never did get his love of tie-dye and Hawkwind, with no drugs involved at all! As saddened as I am at the too early passing of this perpetually happy go lucky soul. I know that he found his place in the world when he found Jane, David and Jack, and enjoyed many happy years before he was gone.

This is the man who taught me the expression “brilliant!“ He seem to think everything was, and so was he in more ways than one. Love to his family from the yanks in California.