A Eulogy for Dave Coffey,
an old friend from S. Katharine's College, Liverpool 1972-76.
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of my dear college friend Dave Coffey, who passed away suddenly while on vacation in Galway.
Dave and I were in the same year group at college and got to know one another through playing sports. We were in the same Education Group in our final year, and had close by rooms in Keswick House 6, and later in Middle East, male accommodation areas in college.
Dave was an amazing athlete who excelled in every sport he played. He was a star hockey player for the College but also played seriously for Aigburth Hockey Club 1st XI as the youngest player in the side. Dave also played tennis, squash, volleyball, basketball and very occasionally rugby, with equal passion and talent. He was always a joy to watch and play with, especially on Sundays when we joined the mixed hockey team. Dave would score most of the goals, while the rest of us just tried to keep up. He had a natural gift for sports that I admired and respected.
Dave was also a great person in company, who had a kind heart and a good sense of humour. He only drank "Adam's ale" in his first year of college, but later he learned to enjoy a proper drink or two with us. He was always fun, making us laugh with his jokes and stories and explaining wonderful Ulster-isms such as rain being "soft". From a farming family, he also talking about country life and ways, such as ditches being walls and dykes being ditches! Dave explained this too me so often, he must have thought I was "light" in the head.
He was a loyal and supportive friend who cared about others and helped them whenever he could. He was serious about his sport, PE and his studies, but he also knew how to have fun. He lived by the motto "Work hard, play hard", and he did both very well.
Dave, you were a wonderful friend and a true sports hero who inspired many people with your abilities and your personality. You touched many lives with your kindness and warmth, and you will be greatly missed by all who knew you. We had many good times and memories together as young people who were transitioning into adult life as teachers. It is a personal regret I didn't do more to keep in touch after those heady days at S. Kath's.
Many former S. Kath's students have commented upon the original post I quickly put up on the former student's Facebook page. They joined my tribute and added their own acknowledging Dave as a real gent, a smartly turned out dresser, whether in PE Kit or going for a night out. All noted what a wonderful sportsman you were, always smiling, friendly and cheerful, with never a bad word to say about anyone. Above all, so many former students remembered you 50 years later. That's some tribute to the young man you were in the early 1970s.
We all send our love and condolences to Dave's wife Fay, and the family, who must be heartbroken at your loss. We know you were a loving husband, a wonderful Dad, an amazing Granddad, a steady brother and Uncle and a reliable friend.
As Lizzy Moyles, a friend, former PE student and mixed hockey player with Dave suggested to me - we hope Fay and her family and friends take some small comfort at how many of us remembered Dave with great affection, despite the long passage of time.
Rest in peace, David Coffey.
You left your mark in our hearts and memories.
Sent with deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
“To weep is to make less the depth of grief.”
William Shakespeare, Henry VI
Wednesday 28 June 2023
Howard Gilberton behalf of former student's S. Katharine's College (1972-76)