David Alexander Willens (1 Jul 1976 - 28 Aug 2014)

Dave was one of the nicest most polite young men that we had the pleasure of knowing.

I first met Dave many, many years ago when we were still at school.

He was one of the most polite, pleasant and laid back people I've ever had the pleasure to know.

We'll be raising a glass of wine to Dave at the beginning of each episode of Strictly.

I last saw Dave about four years ago, when we worked in the same building and I missed the chance to get to know him again. I've spent days trying to figure out what to put here, trying to pin down specific memories of Dave. What I do remember is that he was one of the most kind, warm and gentle people I have ever had the privilege to know. He never judged anyone and accepted you for who you were. I knew him as a teenager and I'm sorry I never got to know the lovely man he had evidently become.

I can't quite remember how I met Dave. It was probably in our teens and through something gaming related. Now I can't believe he is gone.

As has already been said loads Dave was one of the politest, pleasant, laid back and chilled out chaps you could ever wish to meet.

I remember one time a bunch of us trying to get a huge sofa into his house. It was a tight fit, a very tight fit and we did it, but not before I accidentally put a hole in the plaster of his wall with one of the feet. I apologised, but Dave was his usual relaxed self about it.

Many months later when I next found myself round at his house again I noticed the hole still there. Oh yeah said Dave, must do something about that at some point. It wasn't that he wasn't house proud it was just that he didn't let the small stuff in life bother him. That was Dave.

Although we have been friends for the best part of 25 years I perhaps didn't see Dave as much as I should have, even though we lived very close. But again that was the thing about him, when we did see each other, sometimes after gaps of months it was just like we had only been chatting the other day, he was such an easy guy to get along with.

I shall miss you old chap. I will think about you often, especially when watching Strictly and Dr Who, enjoying a John Smith's or listening to Radio 4. Rest in peace my friend.

I held a Pratchett themed fancy dress party last year.

Dave bucked the theme and came dressed as Arthur Dent instead.

His reasoning, as anyone who knew him knows, was pure Dave - go to a party in your pyjamas and a dressing gown then you are already ready for bed when it ends.

I worked with Dave in Chetwynnd he was such a nice guy he should have had so many more years to spend with his family! May you Rest In Peace!

Will and I knew Dave through our son Richard. He was often at our house on Chatsworth Road. To tell him apart from the other Dave we knew him as polite Dave, such a lovely man.

He was my best friend

princessofvp.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/best-friend

Dave was a good fred of my brother Richard, but he was loved by the whole family, I was about 13 when I met Dave and he was known by our whole family as '''polite Dave'' as his manners were SO impeccable...

He was a favorite of my parents, and was always very welcome in our home...

As a younger sister of one of his friends, Dave always had so much time for me, and we became good friends also... having a laugh in chesterfield town on a night out and chatting away for many hours!

I am most saddened and sorrowful to hear of Daves passing, he the most gentle, kind and yes POLITE of men...and will be greatly missed by so many..

I will think of you kindly and often my friend

x

I've known Dave for a long time, and I will miss lots about him. I have many fond memories about him, living across the road from him and him turning up in his slippers with a pint of bitter to play Play station. "No Probs :-)" being the stock answer to any text message you sent him. And the fact he adopted a massively fat cat (though would argue he was just fluffy)

Many of you know this story but Its one of my favorite tales about Dave that captures him well.

We often liken ourselves to the cast of the big bang theory with all of our in jokes and talking about nonsense and often this gets us noticed in public places. One such evening we were all drinking in Nottingham. While Dave was on a trip back from the gents a member of a rowdy gang of lads shouted over at him "Hey R2D2 - Science guy". Dave stopped with a puzzled look on his face when he returned to us and said "I think what he meant was I look like C3PO?".

More annoyed with the factual inaccuracy of his statement than the fact he was just insulted!

Dave leaves a a void that can't be easily filled. He was a singularly unique and genuine friend.

Dave didn't believe in an afterlife. But part of me hopes that if there is one it has the Archers.

My first memory of Dave is when he joined St Mary's - in I thin the 4th year - I remember him being in my maths class and everyone calling him the milky bar kid.
He sat behind me with Karl, who took him under his wing. It wasn't long before he was a fundamental part of our friendship group.
I remember numerous Saturdays hanging out at his house with everyone else, feeling like I belonged. I remember never feeling judged by him. That whatever I did and however I felt was ok.
We were very young then. We haven't had any contact in the intervening years apart from earlier this year when we exchanged some messages. He seemed good.
I don't know what happened. Or why. Or the ins and outs. I just hope that he was happy. He was one of the sweetest parts of my life.