Dave Bird RIP

[dave moore]

I am saddened to report the death of friend and colleague Dave Bird who passed away yesterday after a short but devastating bout with cancer.

Dave came to Norton Canes in the early 2000s, as we were putting Resolute together at Graham Edgson’s yard. An experienced painter and decorator, he soon gravitated to the paint dock, working alongside other skilled craftsmen, notably Trevor Ward and Richard Corbett.

Although primarily a painter, he was also adept at other aspects of boat repair and maintenance, fitting wooden handrails and similar tasks. His paint jobs were painstaking and flawless, I often felt a twinge of guilt at stealing the glory by adding the livery. We worked together for many years, I marvelled at his ability to graft tirelessly, rubbing down for hours on end before picking up a paintbrush. 

After some years, he moved next door to Canal Transport Services, working alongside Matt Cooper to produce immaculate coach painted finishes. We continued to work together until recently when a scan revealed several tumours. I saw him last week in hospital, where he was in discomfort but still in good spirits.

This will be of interest primarily to owners of Norton Canes boats and those he painted at CTS. We have lost a fine craftsman.

 

Dave

 

 

 

 

 

[jacko264]

Sorry to read this I did not know him but sounds like  he was a good man RIP

 

jacko

[matty40s]

I have seen several boats painted by Dave and they really did last longer.

Both the Norton Canes and CTS paintwork teams were the standard setters in the business at the turn of the century as paintwork moved to new level, not just shiny boats, but shiny boats that stayed shiny and smart if looked after...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dave moore]

Thanks, Matty. A fitting tribute to an old school craftsman. I’ll miss him at CTS....

[Grassman]

I didn't know him but know from my conversations with Matt that he was highly regarded and a good friend to many. He will obviously be sorely missed and I offer my condolences to you, his other friends, and his family.