Dave passed away in the early hours of Sunday, 29th June. He had felt unwell some 13 months earlier and following consultations he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He received a course of chemotherapy and his test results were encouraging. However, he suffered a sudden setback in the week beginning 23rd June and the end of his struggles arrived all too quickly on the Sunday in Derby hospital.

Dave’s secondary school was Chase Terrace. After completing his A-Levels he moved on to Nottingham College of Education in 1971-75 to train as a secondary school teacher. He qualified with a B.Ed degree and returned to Burntwood to teach geography and economics at what was then the fairly new Chasetown secondary school (now Erasmus Darwin Academy). It was the only school he ever taught at in a career lasting from 1975 until he retired in 2010.

He became Head of House and Head of Year 11 and was also a school governor. He was much respected by staff and pupils alike.

He had a great love of sport. He was an accomplished footballer, cricketer and rugby player and was a keen follower of Wolves, Leicester Tigers and Warwickshire County Cricket Club plus England’s representative teams.

He played for Burntwood Rugby Club where his leadership qualities came to the fore again when he became chairman of the club from 1991 until 2007. He oversaw the club’s move from being a nomadic club, operating out of various pubs and clubs, to our present location in Chasewater Country Park. He became a trustee of the club at the time and was awarded life membership. He also revived the youth section of the club in partnership with John Beaman.

Dave could always be relied upon for an honest and informed opinion on all matters. He is held in much regard and will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves son Chris, daughter Jo, a grandson and two granddaughters.

All at Burntwood Rugby Club would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Chris, Jo and the entire Cowley family, as well as countless friends around the club. Funeral details are still pending, but will be communicated to club members with the families permission.