A life well lived
Born on 3rd Feb 1953, into a sporting family, David was introduced to, and excelled at, many sports including hockey, rugby, cricket and tennis whilst at Rugby School, which he attended until the early 1970’s. After that he also dabbled with squash and then golf.
After his school years, David entered the legal profession signing articles and moving from the family home at Gerrards Cross back to Bristol where he was born; joining the West Gloucestershire Hockey Club in 1978 where his uncle Ian Rose was also a member.
In his middle years he engaged with motor racing, separately getting involved with four or five different car racing club marques; and throughout his life he always enjoyed tinkering with cars to ensure they stayed roadworthy. His treasured little red mini was a welcome sight approaching any hockey pitch.
One notable recent event was cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats with his long time friend Tim Illston, most recently along with his hockey he continued to play tennis regularly, and particularly enjoyed his Scottish dancing with Tacey.
Whilst with West Glos Hockey club and latterly Bristol & West hockey club David often took on captaincy roles, encouraging younger players to contribute and participate to hockey club life. Giving lifts to and from matches where it was required. He was also always upbeat, positive and full of helpful advice on and off the hockey field, a real gentle man.
Away from club hockey, David represented Gloucestershire, and the West for many years at the different age groups in different competitive events. Then as he turned 60 he joined the LX England hockey club. Being selected at 60 & 65 & latterly 70, age groups for events across Europe and the rest of the world; notable events were The Hague in 2015, Australia in 2016, and most recently Valencia in 2023 as part of the O70s squad that won the “Spirit of Masters” competition.
Unfortunately David lost his health battle on Thursday 6th June 2024, and he will be greatly missed.. by all the hockey fraternity and his other interest clubs, but mainly by his family.
Player tributes:
I am grateful for Davids’s support and encouragement to play for LX and the West, it’s taken me to many wonderful places, met some super people and I will miss his sage advice.
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David always made time to talk with my son, and often took him for rides in his red mini.
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A truly welcoming presence when I joined the club. David embodied the sprit of everything we should strive to be on and off the pitch.
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So shocked to hear this, he was one of life’s gents! I remember running around in the mud at Blaise Castle back in the 1980’s.
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David always encouraged me in my hockey and was my captain for many years. I enjoyed hearing about his hobbies, which included racing MG Midgets, and Scottish dancing. A kind, generous man and a great teammate to have playing alongside you.
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Such sad news and I echo thoughts made here – what an absolute legend on and off the pitch. David helped me personally on several occasions in court!! He sat side by side in court and I saw first hand how good he was at his job, and of course we celebrated our win with a pint afterwards. For this I will be forever grateful to him. Every time we saw each other, normally on the side of the pitch, we would always have a catch up.
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My memories of David were of the ‘lifts’ to Blaise when my dad couldn’t help, he would come to school on the Saturday and pick myself & another lad up when he could, nothing was too much for him. I started at West Glos aged nine and half and have stayed with the club and have known David for all of that time, be it in the 5ths / 4ths /3rd’s etc. Whether he was skipper or vice-captain or any of the various roles he has played in the club over the years , he always showed an interest in all he played with . He also helped me out immensely when I went through the divorce and made everything straight forward and simple with kind words and prompts.
I’m away for the service, I would love to be there, so I will find a quiet place and have a cup of tea thinking of David.
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A service of thanksgiving was held to celebrate David's life on Wednesday 3rd July at St Albans Church, Westbury Park Bristol
A true legend of our Bristol & West hockey family. You'll be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
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