RIP Dave Stanswood

Hereby I pass on the sad news of the passing away of a friend, Dave Stanswood on 13 December 2013.

I first met Dave in 2005 on Dennis Martin’s courses. He came across as a very warm person, more like a teddy bear. Someone you want to spend time with. As 2005 wasn’t an easy year for me he was kind of a light in the darkness as his warmth and kindness balanced the cold and toughness which I faced at that particular time.

On one of these seminars we did a drill involving a big shield, just before the words check, check, check were shouted, marking the end of the drill, Dave jumped forward grabbed the pad and put his teeth in growling like a dog. After the drill ended we formed a circle to watch further instruction. The owner of the pad looked at me sheepishly saying: he bit my pad. I wanted to share this little anecdote as it makes me smile. A good guy, a warm big teddy bear with a little animal inside. A beautiful person.

Then after doing Geoff’s masterclass in 2007 I saw him again. I think he was on the other group and came to ours as he missed a session as a result of some work accident. I had a word with him, quite happy to see he was well and was getting his certificate. After that we lost touch again.

During the summer of 2013 I saw his name on the Geoff Thompson facebookgroup. I knew him from his forum name Dave S. and didn’t make the connection until I took a look at the pictures and saw a picture of the 2005 international seminar in Liverpool. I sent him a request and was happy that I found my old friend back. I was saddened when he told me that he was fighting pancreatic cancer. I just found him and knew I was going to lose him again. Knowing it didn’t make the blow any lighter when I heard the bad news about his passing this weekend. Just wish I had spent more time talking to him. Will miss you Dave!!

Sad news. I rembered Dave as a funny and friendly guy. May he rest in peace.

That is really sad news. Big Dave was a great guy to have in a class, or, share a post training scoff with.
Here he is after the warm up at that 2005 International....



His passing at such an early age is tragic and our thoughts are with his family.



RIP Big Dave

Dave at the 2005 post training scoff....

I'm saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Like Nick says, he had a presence and charm that added hugely to any event he attended. A gentleman of the old school. Rest in peace, sir.

He was a great bloke, he gave me a lift up and back that first course.

Saddened to hear of his passing - rest in peace big guy.


phil