David Richard ECOB (Retired Detective Constable 257) sadly passed away on the 7th July 2024. He was 79yrs.
Dave joined the Police Service in February 1967 and retired in May 1988. He served mainly on the old South Division working from West Bridgford, Clifton, Station Street and the Meadows. Dave was a keen sportsman and an excellent footballer. He played for the Meadows Sub Division, the City Police, the Nottinghamshire Combined Police and was even selected and played for the Great British Police side playing in a Police tournament in Finland. I am given to understand that whilst he was a fair player he was “as hard as nails” on the pitch.
Dave leaves his wife Janet and adult children, sons Gary and Paul and daughter Wendy.
A Cremation Service will take place at Wilford Hill Crematorium, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham at 11am Thursday 8th August 2024. Thereafter there will be a Celebration of his Life to be held at the nearby Nottingham Knight Hotel. Family would welcome friends and former colleagues to attend and pay their respects should they wish to do so.
The undertakers are A.W.LYMN of West Bridgford, Nottingham
Family have asked should any persons wish to make donations they can do so on the day via the undertakers to the benefit of Prostate Cancer UK.
Dave’s son Gary has asked that members and his footballing colleagues who may have funny stories or anecdotes about things he may have done or been involved in, can you please send details of them to him (not NARPO) prior to the event by email to:- gecob@clairfield.com
Our thoughts and condolences are extended to the family at this very sad time.
Bob THOMPSON (Assistant Secretary) Notts NARPO
Email: nottinghamhire2@narpo Tel: 07989139143
NottsNarpo 
First met Dave when I was a Cadet at the old Canal Street PS and the as a PM at West Bridgford. Never actually worked with him but our paths crossed many times. Always greeted with a smile and an amusing comment. Lovely chap. RIP. Condolences to the family.
LikeLike
Dave was a true police character who never lost his nose for locking up villains in the many different capacities he served as a copper. A brilliant footballer and all round sportsman too. Added to that he was a natural entertainer with whom I often shared the stage during the time we had a bar at West Bridgford. A good friend, like all, gone too soon. RIP mate, you will be missed by everyone who knew you.
LikeLike
It was with great sadness that I read of Dave’s death. I was aware that he has been admitted to hospital, but still came as a shock. I cherish very fond memories of Dave, a real character with an infectious personality. On the job he was never afraid of ‘getting stung’ so to speak as he possessed that ability to talk his way out of a sticky situation, although sometimes he had talked himself into one as well! I will miss his presence up at the golf club. Sadly I will be unable to pay my respects on the 8th but I am certain many will and the banter and memories will flow.
Rest in Peace mate.
John (Fred) CASE
LikeLike
So sorry to hear about Dave.
I last saw him about two years ago when I was in what was The Bank pub on the OMS with Dave Dodman and Steve Eley. Dave walked in and joined us at the bar. We spent the next couple of hours reminiscing about the job and in particular Force Football.Dave had so many funny stories about his career as a very good centre forward.
Another colleague and character taken far too early.
My condolences to his family.
Rest in peace Dave.
Arnie Stevenson.
LikeLike
First met Cobby many years ago when he played against my brother in the Notts Alliance football league. A hard player on the pitch but a smashing bloke off it. When I joined the Nottinghamshire Police in 1975 he was the Police Football team manager, from whom I learned many things from him which helped me later on when I also got involved in Police football. As stated previously taken much too soon. A great loss to the Nottinghamshire Police family. May you rest in peace Dave
LikeLike
Dave at Centre Forward and his Dad on the touchline . Simply the Best RIP. Ray Clark
LikeLike
A very sad day. I worked with Dave at the Meadows in the early 80s. He was a very, very well respected man and officer. ‘Cobby’ was a thoroughly professional and experienced detective.
He was a truly outstanding attacking footballer. As others have said, a very hard but a very fair player.
Would always greet you with a smile both on and off the field.
My sincerely condolences to all the family. RIP Dave and time to hang up your boots my friend.
Alan B
LikeLike
Although aware Dave had been admitted to hospital his death has still shocked me. A great mate with an infectious sense of humour and personality. He was always a risk taker with the natural ability to talk himself out of a sticky situation, although sometime the stickiness was of his own making!!!! A great bloke to have on your side. Sadly I won’t be able to attend his funeral but I suspect many colleagues will and the banter and memories will flow. Have a good rest David.
John Fred CASE
LikeLike
I worked with Dave at Queens Drive. We had fun on and off duty with Mick Abbot and Roger Smith. What a team! And who can forget the” Parliament Street Run” The happiest days of my career. R.I.P. 257
LikeLike
Very sad to hear the news and condolences to all the family. Played football with Dave, worked with him and laughed with him over many years, a super fellow, a superb footballer and always excellent company. Many fond memories.
LikeLike