Celebrating t h e

l i f e

o f

Dave Francis Poleon 2 6 . 1 1 . 6 9 - 2 8 . 1 1 . 2 1

Dave was born at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital in November 1969 into the close-knit family of the Singing Stewarts, who helped shape Dave into the man he became. They were one of the first gospel groups in Britain, and Dave toured the world with them. The song that played as we entered today was a favourite of his; ‘Motherless Child’ sung by his mother, Phyllis. Dave and his sister, Liesje, were raised by Phyllis, with the help of his Grandparents. They all taught him the values that we all knew him to have, and they attended church every week. Dave took his role as big brother to Liesje very seriously and as they grew up, their bond became stronger. He was also blessed with his siblings; Mark, Trisha, Tessa and Petrina. Around the age of twelve, Dave met his life-long friends: Mark, Grace, Nolan and Steve, amongst many others. As a young adult, Dave left Handsworth to stay with his Aunty Jen in London as he studied civil engineering, though this was cut short due to being diagnosed with renal failure. Dave’s best friend, Mark, suggested he teach himself about computers. And the rest, as they say, is history. He used his skills initially to teach, winning awards as a lecturer, before setting himself up in business working with Albert and Roy, who became life-long friends. Dave enjoyed golf with Pastor Gordon and Everton, tennis with Tracey and Mark, as well as badminton. He was a devout Aston Villa fan; his cousin Steven would often get tickets for them to see the game. He was also a keen photographer. Everything Dave tried his hand at, he made sure he was good at – which always involved a lot of research and practise, and lots of expensive equipment!

After eight long years, he was able to have his kidney transplant – it was around this time that Dave met Trina and his life changed forever. After Dave and Trina married, he started his job at New Cross Hospital, where he met his good friends Nathan and Rob. There, he regularly enjoyed coffee and donuts for breakfast. He continued to work alongside Nathan when he then joined software development company, Ridgian. There he also forged close friendships with Kristie & Steve, whilst indulging in his love of expensive equipment again, all in the name of innovation of course! The final stop in Dave’s career was at West Midlands Ambulance Service, where he fulfilled his dreams of paying back to the NHS. Dave was immensely proud of Liesje and her accomplishments, in particular her charity, ‘Sparkle Sheffield’ and the family unit she created. He was uncle to Liesje’s children; Jahmal, Ryan, Jayden and Angel and was so proud of all their achievements: Jahmal moving to Japan, Ryan’s chess tournaments and trading, and the YouTube channel they created as a family.

Liesje was a constant source of support through the difficult times not only to Dave, but also to Trina and her daughters. Dave was a loving father to Siobhan and Rowena, and a devoted grandad to Marnie and Edith. Unfortunately, Dave’s health was failing and despite every effort by consultant Professor Sturman, they could not find the cause. However, along came Fiona, Pat and Tracey from the Community Therapy Team. They became part of the family; each week encouraging Dave and giving us hope - along with a dose of sarcasm and laughter. Despite all of this, to our frustration, his body was not responding to the treatment. Marnie said goodnight to her grandad on November 27th, and he fell asleep holding Trina’s hand in the early hours of the next morning.

I am free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following paths God made for me. I took his hand I heard him call Then turned, and bid farewell to all.

I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to sing, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found my peace... at close of play.

And if my parting left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened... deep with sorrow I wish you sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full I've savoured much Good friends, good times A loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lengthen it now with grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wants me now... He set me free.

Anonymous

Love & gratitude We would like to thank all of Dave’s friends and church members for supporting our family in every way. We really could not have got through this very difficult time without you.

We would also like to thank Dave's medical team for the care, dedication and support they provided. Dr Lipkin, Mr Reddy and all the renal Doctors and Nurses at UHB. Fiona, Pat & Tracey from the community therapy team. Kelly & the carers from Dwell Homecare. Chris at St. Mary's Hospice. The District Nursing Team from River Brook Medical Centre & Nick and the crew from West Midlands Ambulance Service.

A warm welcome

Dave's family welcome you to join them at the wake reception at Birmingham Mosley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, B130PT

Service contributions Pastors - Pastor Andrew Rashford-Hewitt & Pastor Steve Palmer Pallbearers - Ryan Watson - Mark Poleon - Steven Stewart - Donovan Warrican - Mark Cole - Nolan Smith Photographer - Michael Ellis (Dave's childhood friend)