Dave McKendrick

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Dave McKendrick last week. Dave was a very good friend of mine whose support during a bad time in my life I will always remember. He always had time for me when I needed advice or just to have a laugh with.

Motivated by his strong sense of social justice and caring for people Dave was a life long Labour supporter and a party member for over 20 years. He was a very active member of the Ashton branch and together with his wife Sue would always take a leading role in election campaigns, delivering leaflets and canvassing for candidates at local and national elections. For many years he was the Branch Treasurer for the Ashton branch and was agent on several occasions for local candidates.

Dave cared deeply for the town of Ashton. It was through his drive and enthusiasm that Captain's Lane Community Centre is now the success it is, being used by many different local groups and is a great asset to the community of Ashton. Together with his wife Sue he devoted many hours of his time voluntarily to make Captains Lane the thriving centre it is today.

He cared passionately for the local environment and played a leading role in the renovation and development of Ashton Heath. He would spend many hours working on his beloved Heath and doing environment improvements on the Three Sisters.

Dave was an individual who did make a difference to the local community. His work can be seen on Ashton Heath, the Three Sisters and at the Community Centre in Captains Lane. He will be sorely missed by the people of Ashton and my sincere condolences go out to Sue, his wife, and his family.

He really was a great bloke, one of the best and I will miss him very much.