David Victor Apps (27 May 1931 - 10 Dec 2018)

David was born on 27th May, 1931 in St Marys Bay on the Romney Marsh, Kent. He was the son of a builder/funeral director and was the oldest of three brothers. During the war years their mother took the boys to live with relatives in Mid Wales. He recalled this time with great fondness and always felt an affinity with the Welsh to the point of wanting them to beat England in international rugby matches.
Upon his return to Kent he progressed to the Harvey Grammar School in Folkstone and was joined later by his siblings. At school he developed his huge interest in sport in general and football and cricket in particular. Upon leaving school in he joined the RAF, becoming a radio operator in 7 (bomber) squadron and was stationed in Egypt and in the UK. He served for a number of years in the 1950’s when the Cold War began to hot up. He was assigned to a signals squadron which flew close to the Iron Curtain intercepting Warsaw Pact messages which the “boffins” in the plane would attempt to translate. One aeroplane from his squadron strayed over the border and was shot down with all crew killed. He was proud of the service he gave and would always take care over his appearance, although as our mum remarked, he wasn’t the tidiest at home!
Upon leaving the RAF he trained to become a teacher in York. He taught in Kent, Birmingham and then joined the education service for the MOD in 1970, working first in Libya then Cyprus. It was whilst working as teacher that he met Hazel whom he married in 1967.
During his time in Cyprus he rose to become head master of Akrotiri Primary School, he also ran Air Training Cadets and participated in the sporting and social life of the military base. Many of the teachers who worked with him in Cyprus have spoken fondly of him and praised his leadership and teaching qualities. His time on the island was generally happy although there were also perilous moments such as the Turkish invasion of 1974 when his family was evacuated and he was charged with turning the school into a refugee station.
His time living and working abroad were particularly stimulating to him as he could pursue his interest in history and visited many ancient archaeological sites. He also loved the culture of Cyprus and was able to dedicate time and resources to another interest; cuisine! He became firm friends with his Cypriot colleagues and was invited to family weddings, he remained in contact with some until his death.
When he completed his contract in Cyprus he returned to the UK with his family to live in Birmingham. He re-trained once more as careers advisor for Birmingham City Council, a job which he was to do until retirement. His wife Hazel died of cancer in 1990 which was a great blow.
In retirement David was able to watch plenty of cricket and football and was a member of Warwickshire CCC for a number of years. Always a keen student, he attended lectures on history and learnt Spanish. He returned to travelling in his later years and visited a son in Argentina a number of times. As a keen naturalist he was also an active member of a Birmingham bird spotting club who made regular outings around the UK, something that he very much enjoyed. Above all he was happiest spending time with his family and in particular enjoyed being with grandchildren, great nieces and nephews. His rapport with children was obvious for all to see.
He died of a suspected heart attack whilst asleep at his home in Birmingham on 10th December, 2018. He is survived by his 3 sons; Richard, Geraint and Edwin. Richard being from his first marriage.