Founder and Managing Director of Design Services (NW) Ltd 1976 – 2016

Dave (he preferred Dave it was less formal) was born during the Manchester Blitz and Christened the very same night. He passed away in Oldham Royal Hospital on Halloween, typically, arriving and departing the world on notable days.

He wasn’t only just the company director, he was a warm, approachable and caring man, he engaged with all and everyone equally and always made time to speak to people when they popped in or phoned.

My own experiences of Dave are obviously somewhat biased as he was my father and my business partner, but to give you the measure of the man and the values he believed in I’d like to share a short story with you.

Whilst in hospital, after he just had an operation to remove his foot and part of his lower leg, he said to me, I don’t want you spending all your time in here visiting me.

When I asked why would you say that, he replied, you’ve only just got married, you should be spending time with your wife I don’t want to come between you two you should be living your lives.

It really hit home at that moment, what a selfless thoughtful gentleman he was.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

If you ever met Dave, I hope you remember the occasion with fondness.