We have been advised that David Handy passed away on Saturday 17th March 2018.

Dave Handy came to the industry in the late 70’s working for the distributor company Dart Advertising Ltd – working with Mike Gittins for Ronnie Hodgson. Around 1985 David left to set up his own company, Action Advertising Ltd in South Shields.  The company was successful and he worked closely for many years with his work partner, Dave Babcock.  Dave Handy semi-retired in about 2015.

Dave had two children by his first marriage to Celia – Matthew and Laura, but was more lately married to Lindsay.

Dave was diagnosed in Feb 2017 with pancreatic cancer but it was thought to be slow growing & initially was told he had a good few years with appropriate treatment. He fought bravely until the very end, having been away only the weekend before his death to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Dave enjoyed a good family relationship over the years celebrating all the children’s milestones together. Laura’s wedding last August was a wonderful day and it is reported Dave said it was one of the proudest of his life. Matt enjoyed football & motor racing with his dad & he will miss him enormously. Lindsay, a much-loved stepmom, is obviously devastated but is being well supported by family and friends.

The funeral is at South Shields crematorium on Tuesday 3rd April at 2.45pm. Everyone is welcome but it is appreciated many friends live far & wide.

If people would like to make a donation, the family’s chosen charity is Charlie Bear. The charity supports the North East Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, a centre where Dave had a lot of his treatment.  If you would like to donate online in Dave’s memory this can be done through https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charliebear

If people would prefer to send flowers, Dave is currently resting at RS Johnson, Crossgate House, Western Approach, South Shields, NE33 5QU.

If anyone would like to send a card, this can be done care off: Mike Gittins, Unique Books Ltd, 109 Reaver House, 12 East Street, Epsom KT17 1HX

Mike Gittins of Unique Books Ltd recalls; “From my own perspective, one of my clearest memories is the great times we had together in the early 80’s – telling tall stories, overindulging at Trade Fairs such as The Metropole In Brighton, but above all enjoying a trade where in those days your word was your bond, and suppliers and distributors worked very closely together for the good of the business. Though I haven’t seen Dave recently, I will miss him.”

 

Published on: March 26th, 2018