I first met Dave on my first day at Catford boys’ school. Fate decided we would sit next to each other. He immediately introduced himself and told me his uncle owned the Bakery in Ladywell and his father was the baker. I do not know why I recall his exact words, but I do. Immediately we became friends. We were in the same class through our time at the school. I got to know his Mum, Dad, Don and Deborah. At a family party their l dog ate the cake and his Dad sang repeatedly the song” Bend me Shape “. I also recall him being in the Boys Brigade and playing the Bugle, and his love of football.
 
Through Diane he introduced me to Janice my wife who had been friends with Diane since infant school. We all went on our first foreign holiday to Spain with Diane’s mum Rose as chaperone. Our friendship never faltered.
 
We went on one holiday and I pushed Diane in the pool (she could not swim). Her reaction is etched om my memory for ever. I am not sure she ever forgave me. 
 
 
We both got engaged about the same time and we were best man at each other’s wedding.
 
We also bought our first house in Walderslade. Dave by then was an electrician.
 
None of us had any money and made do with old furniture and Diane will recall the daily journey to London by train every weekday.
 
None of us had a car and how we got around is long forgotten. We all prospered and bought better furniture and got cars etc.
 
We all met up regularly with what became an enlarged group. On one occasion Dave wanted to watch the football. We some how got him out of the house, and he tried to watch the game through the window, as it started, we closed the curtains.
 
Dave had a dream of joining the dockyard and that came true. I recall many stories he would tell of his time there. They included a ghost incident on the night shift. He also drove us all mad with the predictions of Nostradamus and books on ghosts etc. He had an amazing knowledge and love of music which I never underestimated. His LP collection is a treasury of good taste.
 
We all had children and we never ever lost contact.
 
As we got older a group was formed (The old Gits) and we went on short breaks around the UK and Ireland. All I can say they were good times and will never be forgotten.
 
He was my oldest and dearest friend.
 
Life for us all will never be the same, but we have the memory of a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandad and a great and trusted friend.
 
Dennis.