It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden passing of Dave Dixon, a longstanding, loyal and proud member of Old Yardleians RFC.
Dave passed away at around 1:30pm on Monday 29th September at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston. He was admitted only two days earlier after fainting at home. He was 82 years old.
Dave's playing career at Old Y's started in 1966 and finished in 1994, representing the club for 28 years at all levels from 1st XV through 4ths.
He was a larger than life character, mainly known for his no-nonsense, highly committed, second row play, but he was versatile enough to play extremely well at tight-head prop or in the back row when required.
Dave was a member of the infamous 'Woolies Club' during the 80's, his fellow founding members being former Chairman Tony Meades, former Treasurer Dick Parkin and former Secretary Enoch Wallace.
To join The Woolies you had to have only three qualifications;
1) to be able to grow the 'full set' (bushy beard and moustache)
2) to drink Brew XI until it ran out
3) to take the pee out of the namby-pamby backs every time they knocked it on!
When his playing days had finished Dave spent many, many hours at the club performing essential maintenance tasks. He was a self-employed builder and plumber by trade.
Dave is survived by his beautiful wife Chris, his son (and drinking partner) Robbie and his daughter Gill.
Our thoughts are with all his friends and family at this sad time.
We'll publish the details of Dave's funeral arrangements as soon as they are known.
God bless you mate, thanks for the memories and Rest in Peace.
Here is a 1st XV photo from 1974 featuring Dave Dixon (back row, 7th from the left)