Dave Allan (Passed away 7 Aug 2017)

I first met Dave as a junior member at Brenfield. The club had started a "Junior Foster" programme to help aspiring juniors and Dave was appointed as my foster and we played every two weeks. I was initially terrified and I remember him working me hard session after session but most of all I remember the long discussions in the changing rooms after where he would motivate and encourage. with a unique passion to help me get better.

All I can say is that I've made a career in squash and sport and there's no doubt in my mind that my time with Dave contributed to this.

I know it's a while since August last year when he died but I was just looking at Brenfield Squash Club on line and it made me think about Dave. I'ts very sad that he's gone but my memories of him are worth a lot to me!

What can you say about Dave.....whenever I think of him it always brings a smile. Dave as we know, was a great character, incredibly enthusiastic and passionate and loved his life, family and friends. His passing leaves a big gap in our lives, but also allows us to focus on the great memories and love we all had for him. Having grown up with "The Allan's" as we lived opposite each other for 15 years, they are like family, and Dave was one of the big characters in my life I shall not forget. When I was about 11, I was blessed with having size 9 feet, in fact I looked a bit like a clown! One day I got a knock at the front door, it was Dave. He had a football match but for whatever reason, he had no boots. He asked if he could borrow mine, which was hilarious. I recall my dad being cross with me because I hadn't cleaned them and they were filthy! Secretly...as I passed the carrier bag to Dave with more mud than boot, I was pleased, as I knew he would return them in pristine condition. Sure enough the next day, Dave returned my boots as I had a match. Let's just say I had the cleanest boots in the team. Dave borrowed my boots on several occasions and I was always happy to let him have them!

I also recall popping in to see Dave after he had just finished his extension and new kitchen. For those who know me will know that maths and equations aren't my forte. So as I'm sitting having a coffee, commenting on how nice the house looks, and in particular the kitchen, Dave pulls out the laptop, opens up a graphic design programme and begins to run over how he used various mathermatical solutions, including I'm sure algebra, the theory of something and the working of a nuclear power station.....as he was explaining this to me, I had to pretend I understood what he was saying, although I really had no clue. His enthusiasm passion and pride in his work was amazing and infectious, he absolutely loved finding a task or problem, and solving it. I'm sure we all have our memories, and today is a chance for us to celebrate a great man who made a huge impact on all those that were fortunate enough to know him. Much love to Sandy,Jo,Pauline, and of course Paolo, Phil, Esther, Mathilda and Hector. Love Duncan and Ruth xx

Dave will be sadly missed

Jo, tomorrow is almost here and you're on my mind more than ever, as is your Mum , Pee, Mups, Hex, Phil and Duncs . I've read all of Dave's messages and have found them all so lovely. I'm remembering the parties, where the boys would be in the kitchen laughing and joking with your dad , back in the day when kayleigh and jim were little. The brilliant parties. Growing up and always planning our times together at 55 the paddocks, finding your house like a second home and always being welcomed by your mum and dad to stay for tea or stay over , where we would talk for hours . Such fun. A lovely happy place to be always. A great childhood memory that i am so thankful for. More recently , as Wayne reminded me, of your dad taking the time explaining and showing him how to fix a sash window that Pee had when we were doing up her house . Came in handy down the line on a job for wayne ...funny that ;) Can always remember your dad and mum smiling as I do you !! Xx I always will x

Honoured to have met Dave and Sandy through Pee and Jo, what energy Dave brought to every occasion.

The only time our friendship group has cut short our annual camping trip was so we could all celebrate Dave's 70th and what a celebration that was! Everyone wanted to party with him and celebrate we did in the fashion his family has always shown us so well.

Dave's legacy is strong and rightly proud, Belinda x

Having known Jo for over 20 years and having come to England at least 2-3 times a year in our first years of friendship and before we both had our own kids, there were quite a few occasions, which I vividly remember, when Dave shared his beliefs, opinions and knowledge with us young people.
Unforgotten to me, is his line, "every mother in the world - regardless of nation or religion - has the same aim in life: the best for her children and that this common aim unites people all around the world". Although back then (and now) I did and do not completely agree with that line, it is clearer to me now, more than ever, how strong his belief was in a good family foundation. Jo and Pauline had the best family foundation one can ask for, and this is now passed on to the next generation. My love and thoughts go out to the Allan, the Coldwell and Pelizzari families. Dave's passing leaves a great gap but his presence in their lives has given them the strength to cope with it.

Hi had the pleasure of getting to know Dave while at secondary school with Jo. The party's at Dave and Sandys became something of a master class in how to throw a proper party. While most parents would be battening down the hatches at the thought of a load of teenagers turning up Dave would be doing the opposite and making sure the bucket was full up and flowing all night with fosters and champagne.

Dave was always laughing, joking and debating with young and old and he and Sandy really made you feel right at home.

Dancing badly with Dave and Sandy Mums became a regular fixture when the party was in full swing with Dave often just watching in disbelief.

A real legend in every sense and dam good Dad to Jo and Pauline.

I met Dave 60 years ago at East Ham Tech ,and without his help I doubt if I would have passed one exam. We became instant friends having a couple of car crashes ,a couple of fights and driving to Spain and watching England win the 1966 world cup in a Spanish bar. Dave was the sort of guy I would have liked to have been, good at every he turned his hand to Joan and I saw him three weeks before he died and you would not know there was any thing wrong. He was even good at being sick. Good bye old mate. You will be sadly missed

We will miss you. xx

Dave was a very special man and a very special friend. I will miss him. x

I have had the pleasure of knowing this family for 30+ years and they have always welcomed me into their home, even when I wasn't at my best. Dave used to take us ice skating when we were younger and I'm sure a bunch of teenage girls were not always the best company but he did it regularly and with a smile. He was always around and so happy and proud of his girls and genuinely loved to just hang around them. He was the best dad. My heart goes out to you all and although I haven't seen you (except Pee) since her wedding party my memories are strong and good. You will be missed and remembered with love always. Lots of love you you all ❤️ Kirsten

Dave and I met 60 years ago at East Ham Tech,and I think without his help I would have failed all my exams. Although he was a Mod with a motor scooter and I was a motorcyclist we became firm friends, getting into the odd fight, driving to Spain and even being in a couple of car crashes .Dave was the sort of guy I would to have been like, good at everything that he turned his hand to.The last time Joan and I saw him,three weeks before he died he looked fit as a fiddle ,he even did being sick well.You will be sorely missed mate.

Myself & Val knew you through our daughter Sue and on the occasions we met it was a pleasure to know you & Sandy. You always had a smile on your face and what I've been told, quite a good golfer! Our thoughts are with Sandy & your family at this time.
A real pleasure to have known you.

Well Dave I wasn't sure I wanted to comment on here as it was all a bit raw for me, but Sue convinced me last night in the Indian down the road, the one that you and Sandy, Sue and I had many a meal in!
As everyone has said you will be missed and I'll always remember the holidays, meals, working and playing together. From when you saved Sam in the pool in Portugal to Sandy's life of crime in the States and all points in between ( including sitting in your place at 3 am talking about calculus and all sorts) it's been a pleasure being with you and a friendship that was unique and one I'll never forget.
Cheers For all the laughs and help - Ben

The room feels empty now.
Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company.
I would look forward to going out for lunch or dinner and be entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his vast knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike pure love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the occasion would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when saying goodbye. It would always make me smile.
Goodbye Dave, I am glad you were my father-in-law and that we were on the same "train journey" for a while.

The room feels empty now.
Dave's warm, friendly and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company.
I would look forward to going out for dinner or lunch with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his vast knowledge whatever the subject.
His love for life, almost childlike pure love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment at the end of the day or night spent together would manifest itself in him burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me smile.
Goodbye Dave, I'm glad you were my father-in-law and we were on the same "train journey" for a while.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.

I've probably known Dave for most of my career in BT briefly at Wood St then permenantly at Keybridge and Mondial House where we were colleagues but more importantly friends outside of work. Many the times we have spent training especially our time in Holland.

Dave was a gentleman always there to help at work or in particularly when it came to sport, he helped me when I started playing squash.

Dave you will be sorely missed, it was a pleasure knowing you. My thoughts are with you all.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.

The room feels empty. Dave's warm soul, friendliness and magnetic personality made you eager to see him again and want to be in his company. I would look forward to going out for dinner with Dave either entertained by his stories or his hunger to share his knowledge whatever the subject. His love for life, almost childlike love for life would rub off on you and his enjoyment of the night would manifest itself in burying his head into your chest when hugging goodbye. It would always make me
smile. The room feels empty. Goodbye Dave, I'm glad we were on
the same train for a while.