David John Grist (23 Apr 1941 - 24 Aug 2020)

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David JohnAlzheimer's Society

£894.59 + Gift Aid of £172.50
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Donate in memory of
David JohnSave the Children

£10.00 + Gift Aid of £2.50
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Location
Kent & Sussex Crematorium Benhall Mill Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 5JJ
Date
15th Sep 2020
Time
1.45pm
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In loving memory of David John Grist who sadly passed away on 25th August 2020.

Dave was not just a glass half full person, his glass overflowed with positivity and joy. He loved being in the company of others, was always cheerful and genuinely loved life. He would always find the positive in any situation and will be sadly missed by his family and friends alike.

Sadly due to the COVID-19 pandemic our celebration of his life has been severely restricted and so it will be a small representation of friends and family gathering for his funeral on 15th September with no wake allowed to mark his passing.

We, his three children Alistair, Lindsey and Jason, cordially invite you to write your messages of condolences and fond memories of our dad below for us to share with Mum who we hope will take comfort in reading your messages and reminiscences.

Dad was a kind and thoughtful man, he lived life to the full but his joy in more recent years was his grandchildren Harry, Angus ,Will, Martha, Molly and Felix. We respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers you might consider making a donation to Save The Children or Alzheimer's Association, the latter being a charity close to our hearts as Dad over the past five years or so became Mum's carer as well as husband.

Thank you so much

To Dad, Chap, Dave or whatever you called him, we bid a fond farewell, thank you for being you, a true gentle man until we meet again.

x

Abby Collier lit a candle
Abby Collier donated £20 in memory of David

Will miss seeing Dave at the Southern shows, he really was a lovely, lovely man. Thinking of Theresea and her family and sending my love. Lots of love Abby

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Lesley Busby donated £50 in memory of David

With fond memories of Dave - a kind and generous spirit.
From the Officers, Committee and Members of the Southern Afghan Club

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Isabelle Tytgat wrote

Dave, I was fortunate to be welcome in your family back in 1982 and wanted to thank you again for the found memories I have from you all. Today you had a beautiful celebration full of loving words from your family.
See you one day on the other side of the pond. I will raise my glass as you would have liked us to do with loud music on!
You will be missed.
My sincere condolences and thoughts to the all family.
With love ❤️ Isabelle

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Ken Penton donated £30 in memory of David

Dave was a lovely man.

My thoughts are with all the Grist family.

As his favourite band almost put it, I know he will continue to shine on like a crazy diamond for all of you.

Ken x

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Brian Foxworthe lit a candle
David Bradshaw donated in memory of David
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Kate, Gibbs and Tallulah Broadhead lit a candle
Margaret Barrett donated £100 in memory of David

Dave will be fondly remembered by us all. A very kind and generous man. Life and soul of the party and always smiling.

Love from Daphne, Margaret, Christine and families xxx

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Margaret Barrett wrote

In memory of Dave, who's been part of our family for many years. A lovely, kind and generous man who will be sorely missed. This donation is on behalf Daphne, Margaret, Christine and families.

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Margaret Barrett lit a candle
Brian Foxworthe wrote

Thirty-four years ago this month, I visited England as an adult for the first time. My Mum was David's Aunt Bett, and while I had "tagged along" on a couple trips "home" with her as a child two decades earlier, this trip was special. The attached photo I've shared of David and myself at Windsor is an example of the many happy souvenirs from that trip.

One of my earliest childhood memories actually involves being the three-year-old "caboose" in a conga line at David & Theresea's wedding reception. It is a raucous, slightly terrifying, yet ultimately fun-filled memory. As I reflect back on other trips and visits with David's family over the years, the common thread running through all of them is one of kindness, generosity, and goodwill. Indeed, almost every time I've returned to the U.K. since then, David has always been generous with his time, making sure his cousin, for example, had a ride from the airport or a place to stay on Boxing Day, or as in this case back in 1986, playing tour guide for a day.

I happen to know David had a "soft spot" in his heart for his Aunt Bett, and when she passed away in 2014, he reached out to me with a heartfelt letter that helped me get through that difficult time. So, on behalf of our little extended family here in the Pacific Northwest, I'd like to reciprocate: To Theresea, Alistair, Linz & Jason, please know that Bradley, Debbie, and I send our profound condolences for your loss. David was one-of-a-kind.

Rest in peace, cousin. We miss you.
~ BrianF

One last thought: Lindsey has mentioned recently the importance of appreciating--and acknowledging--those who are near and dear to us. I couldn't agree more. I had a great conversation with David on his birthday this year and, as always, it was upbeat and I am so glad he and I got that opportunity to connect. So, take a moment dear reader, pick up the phone and share some kindness with someone special in your life (tell them David sent you!)

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Brian Foxworthe posted a picture
David & Brian at Windsor, September 1986

David & Brian at Windsor, September 1986

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Brian Foxworthe donated £100 in memory of David
David & Brian at Windsor, September 1986

David & Brian at Windsor, September 1986

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Mark Sweeting donated in memory of David

If you were to define the phrase "role model", a fitting definition would be a picture of Dave. Speaking to him was like wiping away the condensation off a steamy window to better see the view or that warm beam of sunlight on a cloudy day. He just had the ability to make you feel 'better' just by being around. To treat you as if you'd only spoken yesterday when it had been 10 years.

Just a truly wonderful man. We will miss him terribly and thinking of all his closest family on this sad day.

Love from all the Sweetings and Cobbs (Shelagh, Mark, Sarah and Jessica Sweeting, Lisa, Darrin and Suzy Cobb) xxx

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Michael Kitchin donated £50 in memory of David
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George Smart donated £20 in memory of David

The memories will live on forever. Cheers mate

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Maria Niedzwiedz donated £10 in memory of David

So sorry unable to attend service to pay my respects to Dave. So shocked and saddened that he had been so I'll. Dave was such a happy, positive gentleman. Will be long remembered and missed by so many. The world will be sadder place without him. R.I.P Dave. Sincere condolences and best wishes for Tuesday.xx

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Reuben East donated £44.59 in memory of David
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Tim Kitchin donated £200 in memory of David

Dave was a lovely man, he always thought the best of everybody and... what a smile he had! Thinking of all you Grists and I’m sorry that covid has stopped us being there on Tuesday.

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Susan Winters lit a candle
Susan Winters donated £10 in memory of David

Clive and I will always be grateful for Dave and Theresea's help with our litter of Afghans hounds. Dave left his "mark" in the world in lot of ways . Love to you all xx

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Marilyn Hicklin lit a candle
Giles Birt donated £20 in memory of David

I never met David but I've spent a week skiing with Jason and his wife. He must have been a great man and I'm really sorry for your loss. Giles

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Sheila Williamson lit a candle
Ian Rabbidge wrote

I only met Dave the once, while watching the Judd School rugby team play an away match last year. I enjoyed our chat, and remember it well. Dave was really engaging and had a warmth and a sense of humour, and I can imagine he was great company to those who loved him. Best wishes to you Al and your family and I'm sure you will celebrate him with style.

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David& Joyce Caulfield wrote

Our sincere condolences to Theresa and family on your sad loss. Dave was a true gentleman, who we had the pleasure of meeting on many occasions at dog shows around the country. Rest in peace Dave, we will miss you. Joyce and Dave xx

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Phillip Woodward wrote

with love and best wishes from the Woodwards

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Phillip Woodward wrote

Sincere condolences to you all. Love from Phil, Marion, Ben and Josephine xxx

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