In memory of Dave Hawkins
31st March 1970 ~ 27th November 2001
R.I.P.
Dave died in Oldchurch Hospital, Romford on the morning of 27th November 2001, aged 31. He had been suffering from pneumonia.
The funeral is on Wednesday December 5th, it will be leaving David's home of, 24 Bell Farm Avenue, Dagenham at 12:30-1pm, service at the City of London Cemetery at 2pm
Dave will be buried in his Dagenham and Redbridge shirt, his family and friends are sure that is what he would have wanted.
On a personal note, Dave's brother Geoff, would like to say:
"I am extremely proud that I had a brother like Dave and I would only be half the person I am now if it was not for him. Dave was far more than a brother to me, he was my guardian, my manager, my inspiration, and above all he was my best friend. Dave was totally irreplaceable and has left a huge hole in my life that will never be the same again."
"I love you Bruv and miss you like mad."
As Dave was a regular contributor to both this unofficial website and forum I felt it only right that he should be remembered by both those that were personal friends and those who felt they knew him from his frequent and intelligent comment on the Dagenham & Redbridge forum.
Even though I saw him every week at Victoria Road, I only met him once, (actually twice if you count our chance meeting in Tesco, which I'm sure Dave wouldn't thank me for bringing up!) I still felt that I knew him well. The Internet has a strange way of creating friendships and long may that last.
I just want to piece together some of the things he did on this website and the comments his premature passing has inspired.
Steve McGregor
A few words from Alan, a close friend and fellow D&R supporter
Dave
I met Dave for the first time 10 years ago, he started working with Rico, Rob and I. We had the most miserable jobs imaginable; we all worked in the dole office at Dagenham. Although it was a terrible job, as I am sure you can imagine, he made us laugh all the time, and we became firm friends outside of work, where we were welcomed into the family by his parents, Jim and Lil, and his siblings Geoff and Vicky. He was always there for you, and he helped me through some tough times.
Dave had a wonderful gift in that he was able to speak to anyone that he met and make him or her comfortable, and usually put a smile on their face - it is something that I always envied and is a tribute to his family as much as Dave.
We went to matches together, along with Rico, Rob, Sean and Lee. Indeed, some of our happiest moments were on the road following the Daggers, the journeys in the car saw some of the questions that have troubled man kind for centuries debated at length, questions such as, "Al, if a goose and a bulldog had a fight, which one would win?" or, "If you accept 'I will Survive' as being the national anthem of women, so to speak, what is the male equivalent" these conversations could last for hours, no entire seasons, and we never did work out the male national anthem bit.
Dave was, as many of you will know from his postings on the board, an articulate and intelligent man. He had recently left his job and begun a degree in Criminology, an area that fascinated him - I think he fancied himself as the next Agent Starling. He was really enjoying the challenge that the course offered him and was as happy as I had seen him in years.
He was certainly enjoying his football, and was looking forward to the prospect of league football next season. I spoke to him while he was waiting for an ambulance and the last words to me were a request that I include him in my travel plans for the game at Bristol Rovers. He will be there at every game with all of us.
It was a privilege to have been Dave's friend. I have so many happy memories of time spent with Dave, it is some comfort that I can close my eyes and hear him and smile, no, even now he still makes me laugh. I hope and I am sure that everyone who met him will be able to do the same. If you did not meet him, well, I can safely say that you would have liked him, he was that kind of guy.
I miss you mate.
Lee, another D&R supporter would like to add a few words.
I met Dave through my brother Sean, and was welcomed into the "crowd" of Dave, Alan, Rico and Rob. Dave had an way of making you feel instantly comfortable and it was an honour to know him and have him as a friend.
I will remember him for his passion for football and his humour (I too remember the animal fight discussions and the conversations which turned to half time tramp boxing).
Dave had a great way with people, his humour and attitude won him instant friends. I think I can best sum this up by relaying this: My son, who is nearly four, has recently started to attend home games. Although he had met Dave only three or four times, only last week informed me that "in the summer, I had to take him to the Town Show and I had to make sure that daddy's big friend with the glasses came to"
His passing is a big shock to us all and he will be sorely missed.
Taken from the D&R Forum
Dave by Alan, Tue Nov 27 11:44:16
Dave died this morning, he was 31 years old.
Thanks to all of you who sent your best wishes, whether posted or not.
Alan
Condolences by Sandy the Lion, Tue Nov 27 20:56:55
Although I didn't know Dave at all other than from his postings on here (that I have read only recently) it is such a shame that anybody should die at such an early age in their life. My sincere condolences go out to everybody that knew him, and especially his family and close friends. Hope to see you all at Haig Avenue on Saturday
My Regards Sandy the Lion - Southport FC Mascot
Condolences by Tom, Tue Nov 27 13:29:02
I didn't know Dave other than from his postings on this forum. My sympathies go out to his family and friends at this terrible time.
Re: Dave by Mark Janney, Tue Nov 27 12:26:41
I, on behalf of all the players, send our sincere condolences.
Janners
Condolences by Nelson (via Mike), [Login: mike], Tue Nov 27 12:12:23
Nelson is offline due to BT problmes, but I have told him about Dave and he wanted me to pass his and Lou's sincere condolences to Dave's family and friends at this time.
Condolences by SteveMc, Tue Nov 27 12:07:35
Please pass on my best wishes to Dave's family. Sincere condolences.
Let us know if there is a charity where those who wish can make a donation.
Thanks Steve
Dave by TomMc, Tue Nov 27 12:17:08
My most sincere condolences go out to Dave's family at this difficult time. Any chance of a minutes silence at the next home game Simmo. Once again I am very truly sorry.
Thomas
Condolences by Danny the drummer, Tue Nov 27 12:26:25
I am sorry to hear the sad news thoughts are with his family, is there a charity to donate to could you let us know
Condolences by Will Russell (Trumpet boy), Tue Nov 27 13:04:04
My thoughts are with Daves close friends and family. As a mark of respect will there be a 2-minute silence at the next home game.
Deepest sympathy
Will Russell
very sad by Brownie, Tue Nov 27 19:48:08
I'm sure the whole Daggers family would echo the sentiments expressed here on a very sad day. My son & I wish to extend our most sincere condolences to Dave's family and would like to say to those who knew him personally that your fellow supporters stand shoulder to shoulder with you in grief. Dagger to the end.
Very Sad by Gorf, Wed Nov 28 10:00:04
I can only say what has already been said already. My condolences on this sad day.
Dave by Mike, [Login: mike], Tue Nov 27 11:52:54
Speechless here Alan. Best wishes to all his family and friends. Life is cruel sometimes.
I hate that bloody hospital :(
dave by suzanne, Tue Nov 27 15:00:20
I can only echo what everyone else has said: that I only knew him through the forum and my thoughts go to all his friends and family at this difficult time.
Condolences by Louise, Tue Nov 27 15:42:56
I can only echo what everyone else has said and offer deepest sympathy from myself and Nelson. Our thoughts are with Daves' family and friends. Even though we never actually met Dave in person, he was very much a big part of the on-line "community" of football fans here and although he and I didn't always see eye to eye, he was indeed an eloquent and worthy adversary and I shall miss him. Sometimes, life can be very hard to understand....
Re: Condolences by A & R, Tue Nov 27 17:19:51
As everyone else, I only knew him through this forum, but he seemed a nice chap, our thoughts are with his family.
thanks to everyone by Alan, Tue Nov 27 18:20:20
Dave was a true friend to all that met him and was a Daggers season ticket holder, brick buyer and fanatic.
I last spoke to him on Friday, when he was waiting for the ambulance to take him to hospital. He was very ill, but the last words that he spoke to me were to make sure that I kept a place for him in our travel plans to Bristol, and I will. He will be at every game that I go to, or that his mates, Rob, Rico, Dean, Sean and Lee go to. I thank you all for your support, which I will pass on to his family.
A true dagger by City Boy, Wed Nov 28 08:41:55
I too only knew him through this forum, and liked to read his well thought out messages. It is good to know that he will be immortalised due to the buy a brick plaque and will always have a place in Dagenham and Redbridge.
I would say that even if there is no organised moment on contemplation, those of us on here can do our bit by showing 1 minutes silence at the next home game from the 1st whistle.
I offer all those he left behind my deepest condolences and the thought that they love one of the most respected men on this forum.
Dave by davei, Tue Nov 27 18:47:53
My deepest sympathy for Dave's family. 31 years old is no time to go that is for sure. However, I am sure Dave carried a special message and prayers for someone he knew here on Earth with him to Heaven. I know he must have attached some importance to the prayers and the message, because he decided to deliver them both personally.
Re: Dave by Mark, Tue Nov 27 19:05:20
I am too very sorry for his family and friends. I can only echo what other people have said
Re Dave by Varney, Tue Nov 27 21:58:53
Would just like to be associated with all the comments made about Dave.
Re: Re Dave by ebeneezer, Wed Nov 28 08:05:33
Everything that can be said has been said. Sincerest condolences. I am very sad. Maybe I knew him by sight, I would appreciate a picture in the next programme if that is possible.
Re: Re Dave by Simmo, Wed Nov 28 09:55:48
On behalf of the management Committee of Dagenham & Redbridge we too offer our condolences at the sad time. We will of course be including an obitury in the Margate programme for Dave. If anyone has a photo of Dave, please email the Club at info@daggers.co.uk and I'll include it with the piece.
Thanks to everyone.... by Geoff (Dave's Brother), Tue Nov 27 19:54:43
Firstly I am finding this very hard to type, but thought it needed to be done. I just wanted to say thank you, to you all. I and the rest of the family are devastated (obviously.), but I find it comforting to know that Dave had touched so many people, even those he had never met. It has already been decided that Dave will be buried in his Dagenham & Redbridge Shirt (he would have much prefered it than some boring suit, plus he loved the new kit.). I think the idea of a minutes silence before a game is great and I know Dave would appreciate it. (has someone the contacts to get this done?) Lastly, thanks to Alan for requesting prayers.
His funeral will be next Wednesday & if anyone would like to attend you are more than welcome, let me know and I will give details. Again thanks to all.
The above postings on the forum started another thread as can be seen below
the football family......... by Graeme H(MargateFC), Wed Nov 28 18:41:03
Just read the postings below, and as a fan of another conference club, but also as a fairly regular visitor to V.Rd, the thoughts and messages expressed about the sad death of one of your fellow fans are a credit to you all.I'm sure it is a great comfort to Dave's family to see it so clearly expressed how you felt about him. I already held your club in high regard, and even more so now.
Looking forward to the game in a few days, although all this puts football into perspective of course( please note Doncaster fans).
Re: the football family......... by Rico, Wed Nov 28 21:33:18
Dave, Alan and others of us all attended the match at Margate earlier this season and were struck with the hospitality of the fans, your words are much appreciated. Warm summer afternoons, Beer, a good game of football and Dave's company. Great days Eddie, Great days.
the football family by David Colbeck, Wed Nov 28 19:58:05
I would like to second this from the Margate fan -virtually word for word. I have recently started coming to games at Vic. Rd. and am very impressed with the friendly atmosphere [Boston and Doncaster games excepted?!] Seriously I am a happily converted fan [ex-Stevenage] and will remain so.
Re: the football family by Nelson, Wed Nov 28 20:25:02
Good to have you on board David. Victoria Road has always had a reputation for being a friendly ground. Long may it continue.