Final tributes paid to former Robins chairman Dave Courtney
FRIENDS and family packed into the fitting landmark of Gloucester Cathedral to remember the much-loved community champion Dave Courtney, who passed away from cancer aged 69.
The former chairman of Cheltenham Town Football Club, from Prestbury, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2002. He died last month.
Dave helped establish the Gloucestershire Prostate Cancer (Brachytherapy Unit) Trust, playing a key role in co-ordinating fundraising schemes for the charity. He helped collect almost £500,000 for the charity that has helped around 200 men. One variety event at the Everyman Theatre raised £17,000.
The grand Cathedral surroundings, one of the county's finest landmarks, matched the esteem in which the keen sportsman was held.
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Stan Jones played tribute to his close friend at the funeral.
"Dave's life was not a long one by today's standards, but it was full of talent, energy and commitment," he said.
The pair were friends for around 30 years, sharing a love of sport and would meet regularly to watch the Robins or at the Royal Oak in Prestbury.
"Dave was always pushing the boundaries to find more time to do the many activities he was involved with and to help others. He wanted to do as much as he could and he was full of enthusiasm. After he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dave had this passion in his belly. His dedication to the charity and to helping others knew no bounds.
"Most of his telephone calls ended with the words 'leave it to me'," he said.
"It would be a lasting tribute to Dave if we could all take those words on ourselves. Dave was an ordinary man with extraordinary gifts that have enriched the community.
"He was a true friend."
The former The King's School pupil and dad-of-four was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in the summer to mark his charity work. Dave took the torch into his former school to give excited children a taste of the Olympics.
Alison Mayher, a teacher there, said pupils there were thrilled by the opportunity. "The kids carried the torch around the school field in a relay," she said. "Thanks to Dave, the children were given a great memory they will cherish."
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