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David John Manley

"You are no more than a thought away"

Date passed: 21st of August 2018

Funeral date: 7th of September 2018

“You are no more than a thought away”

Born on Saturday 29th November 1952, Dave attended Broad Street Junior School, then onto Crewe Boys Grammar School. His school reports described him as hard working and conscientious. He left school with three ‘A’ levels.

As a child, he loved to go camping with the Boy Scouts. He’s always been known for being very careful with his money, it wasn’t uncommon to return from his trips away or holidays with more money than he went away with .

He loved Rock music and shared his interest with his many friends at the Conservative Club.

He started work locally as an accountant, but didn’t really take to it, then worked at Leighton Hospital in Budgetary Control, finally ending up working for the NHS in Preston as IT Technical Manager, a job which he loved.

He had many friends in Preston which were long lasting, particularly Pete and Adrian.

He retired aged 55 and indulged in his favourite passions which were ships and steam locomotives becoming a board member of the Ribble Valley Steam Railway. He was also a great supporter of the Crewe Heritage Centre and joined many worldwide tours of shipyards and Naval bases.

Four years ago, he was diagnosed with incurable liver and bowel cancer, however he never let his condition rule his life, remaining active until very recently which was an inspiration to all his family and friends.

Dave passed away peacefully at the Royal Preston Hospital on Tuesday 21st August, the much loved brother of Avis.

His funeral will take place in Crewe Crematorium Chapel on Friday 7th September at 3.20pm, any donations in his memory will be gratefully received for the Macmillan Nurses.

For any further information, please contact our funeral home.

8 Condolences

  1. Michelle Perry on August 22, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    If you were to meet and know a man like Dave, everything would be put in perspective. He was a kind, generous, friendly, brave man. Everything he faced with regards to his health, was done so positively.
    He was a wonderful Uncle and great Uncle and we’re going to miss him so much xxx

    Love, your niece Michelle, Matt and the girls xx

    - Approved by oconnell
  2. Suhail Patel on August 22, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    My sincere condolences to Dave’s family. Rest in peace Dave.

    - Approved by oconnell
  3. Pete on August 23, 2018 at 5:30 am

    I will miss your company and our night outs. I was privileged to be your friend.

    - Approved by oconnell
  4. Denise Whittaker on August 23, 2018 at 9:32 am

    A very reliable and trustworthy colleague whom I worked with for many years. I am really sad that his life was cut short, he was so brave and positive during his illness. May he rest in peace

    - Approved by oconnell
  5. Elaine Clark on August 23, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    So sad to hear that Dave’s life was cut so very short. He enjoyed his ships and trains and was enjoying his retirement. He seemed so very brave during his illness and was always so positive. Rest in peace Dave.

    - Approved by oconnell
  6. Mark Bostock on August 24, 2018 at 8:47 am

    Dave and I worked together for ten years until he retired. We had a bit of a rocky start, but soon found that we could both trust and rely on each other.

    Dave was old school, very straight and honest, I liked him a lot, and I wish that he was working with me now.

    Its a very sad loss,

    - Approved by oconnell
  7. Dave Kelsall on August 24, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    Dave was really supportive when I started working for the NHS over at Chorley, despite the Trusts being bitter rivals at the time. Both used obsolescent IT equipment with impossible to procure parts, which we informally traded between us.

    Learning of my past employment in the Merchant Navy led to long discussions about various steam ships I’d worked on and visited over the years.

    One of nature’s gentlemen, Dave will be much missed by the NHS IT community.

    - Approved by oconnell
  8. Jim Patchett on September 2, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    I was privileged to have met Dave on the first trip abroad to visit historic ships in 2004 and we shared many more trips together. He will be greatly missed by all those who shared our travels and his banter will also be missed.
    I know that he faced his illness with great courage and fortitude and was an example to us all
    Sleep well my friend.

    - Approved by oconnell

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