| Location | Canvey Island, Essex |
| Age | 28 years |
| Date of Birth | 5/1979 |
| Date of Death | 5/2007 |
| Visitors | 3,448 since 24/05/2007 |
| Creator |
Daniel had a motorcycle accident on the 8th of May 07, 3 days shy of his 28th birthday,
Daniel had a loving family, a twin brother and a younger brother of 24 who thought of Daniel more
than brothers but best friends also, he also had 3 nieces and 1 nephew all aged between 4 years the
eldest and 6 months the youngest he treated them kids as his own, always proud to speak of them all,
Daniel lived for his family.
Daniel was well thought of by all that knew him, he was always there when help was needed and did
not expect anything in return he was just happy to help, Dan was more known for his joker attitude
his quick wit and one liners that would have you crying in laughter.
Im not going to say to much more as this site is set up for all that knew him to post their own
stories and memories, you will all have a better understanding of who Dan was with the memories that
will be put on this site by family, friends and all that knew him.
A Brothers eulogy.
Before I begin, I would like to thank you all for coming, the support over the last 2 weeks has been
overwhelming, from friends, family, the comments left on the echo news site and from Daniels work,
G4S and the staff at RBSG. The family really do appreciate all you have done. Thank you.
Since preparing for this speech, I have written numerous pages about Daniel, but not happy with what
I had written. But after several cold beers, I remembered how I have been feeling.
One of Dans many friends James, had done the family a video of Daniel and the recent booze cruise he
had gone on. At first I couldn’t watch it as I didn’t need upsetting anymore, but 2/3 days went
by and I decided to watch. All the way through I smiled it was my brother having one of the best
times of his short life. It was Dan being Dan having a fantastic piss up with his friends but this
time it was on a boat, watching this is what has helped me write this speech.
Dan always enjoyed socialising and having a drink, with many memorable nights. One morning I got
up went outside Daniel was cleaning his bike on the drive when my Dad come out the garage and I had
noticed a for sale sign on the neighbour across the roads lawn, I said to my Dad “I didn’t know
lorry was moving “ “nor did I “ said my dad , I noticed Daniel put his head down so I went
over to him and asked if he knew anything about it he said” I think I did it last night” (he
carried a for sale sign home and stuck it in the grass while drunk).
To us Dan was the most genuine person you could ever meet, he never tried to be something he
wasn’t. He would always help and would be there for you without even being asked. He never
expected anything in return. Whether it being giving lifts, running errands, fixing/modifying your
car, you could guarantee him being there, even when it involved hard labour, which was rare for Dan.
One comment shows of Dans helpfulness on the Echo web page. I was reading the echo page and a
young lady had put a comment on there saying she had lost her car keys one night at work, she had
only just started at the bank so she went to security and asked Daniel if any had been handed in,
there wasn’t, she didn’t expect anymore but while she carried on training Daniel went looking
for these keys searched high and low but found them, knowing she would be worried and not able to
concentrate Daniel went and found the lady and gave her her keys, every night he see her leaving he
would shout out “got your keys”.
This leads me on to Dans personality, Dan was a shy individual he did not know, you would get a nod,
a cheeky smile or even a “good morning” if you were lucky. But to his family and friends he was
sarcastic, a practical joker, would wind you up at every opportunity and a classic with his wit and
one liners and would always make you smile. I remember when we were getting our photos done for my
Nan and Granddads 50th wedding anniversary, the photographer said say cheese, sausages, what ever
you like say something that will make you smile, Daniel piped up “hurry up” we did more than
smile.
Dans main passion was his cars, they got louder, faster and were modified in more ways than one.
You may or may not know Dan was a qualified mechanic, but did not enjoy getting cold or wet. So he
became a Security officer and worked at the RBS buildings in Southend. Where he met the best work
colleagues you could ever meet, this is why he never went back into mechanics, but enjoyed his cars
in his spare time.
Dan once brought a mark 2 escort to modify into a rally car, but after closer inspection by my Dad,
as he did with all our cars, he discovered it was rotten. Dan was absolutely gutted, until my Dad
came up with an alternative to turn he escort into a jeep, this they did with Dans slightly extreme
modifications. BOY RACER STYLE.
It was the only jeep I know that was lowered, alloy wheels, quad lights, blue flashing lights,
neon’s.
Daniel was more than a brother to me and Adam he was our best friend, all three off us close we
looked out for one another, to his friends Dan wasn’t just a friend he was more like a brother,
Dan was always there for them and when he needed us we were there for him that was Daniel, I had
asked Daniel to be my best man, that he will remain, my best man, to us all here today Daniel was
the best of men,
I could stand here for hours on end talking about Dan, but I am sure you will be throwing your eggs
and flowers soon. But would like to mention, that a gonetosoon.co.uk there is a tribute to the life
of Daniel, where we are slowly putting stories on, that you can read and enjoy.
INVITE TO OYSTEER FLEET.
THANK YOU.
Flatliner!
Everybody that was close to Dan was aware that he could be very gullible at times. He was known for being a practical joker but could also be an easy target for a prank or a wind-up himself! We were always trying to get one over on each other, whether it be from the methods stated above or just by the use of sarcasm to have a joke at ones expense! Of all the 'hook-line-sinkers' that we exchanged; I think Dan topped the chart with this one:-
We were in Southend-on-Sea having a few beers and a laugh.....yet again! At this point we were completely sober and hadn't touched a drop of alcohol as yet. Dan had heard about this new shooter called 'Flatliner' and he was desperate to give it a try. It contained his favourite medicine of vodka and, you guessed it, sambuca! It was the third ingredient that he never informed me about which was about to become my downfall!
Dan was aware that I struggle to stomach shooters once I've had a few beers so he thought we could get this one out the way whilst we were still fresh! We approached the bar in Churchills and Dan ordered these two 'Flatliners'. To my surprise they were red in colour and both came with a glass of water. I questioned Dan about this in which he told me that the colouring was an additive just to look good and the water was for hydration. Apparently Churchills supplied the water because they encourage sensible drinking, like a mug I thought nothing of it and had no reason not to believe what he was telling me! Dan was first to down his shot and showed no signs of disgust afterwards. I soon followed much to my regret! As it hit the back of my throat it felt like a torch of fire had gone right through me! Within seconds I found myself on the floor emptying the contents of my breakfast everywhere. I will never forget the pain, it was like all my internal organs were trying to climb out through my nose and throat!
Suddenly the Bouncer came over, engaged me in an unnecessary restraint and booted me out into the street! I was still being sick and wasn't in a position to defend myself even if I wanted to, I think the bloke was just showing off! Dan casually walked out behind all this conflict and was amused to see me leant over a litter bin trying to extinguish my mouth! He then informed me that the shooter contained 'Tabasco Sauce' and admitted that it tasted absolutely rotten and was hotter than the Sahara Desert!
Pole Position!
Everybody that knew Dan was aware of his passion for cars. For the last five years he has always owned a Toyota. It all started with his first, a red MR2, that he bought from his twin brother Wayne. It then followed in many different variations and styles up to his more recent beloved Supra. This was a white 3000cc twin-turbo beast, it was in a class of its own! Dan knew that there was no need to modify this one cos its performance was unique!
Going back to the MR2, I remember this being Dan's pride and joy at the time. He would normally drive around in a Ford Fiesta or Escort prior to this purchase, he was now like a kid with a new toy!
I once remember challenging Dan to a 0-60mph race just for a laugh, there was no way I was gonna win cos I only had a Peugeot 206 Turbo Diesel! We picked out a derelict strip on Canvey Island known as Northwick Road, it leads to a Farm. It was completely straight and seemed to go on forever so it was ideal. The strategy was to accelarate to 60mph as quickly as possible and then just cruise to a stop, we should then see a clear winner! As we counted down from three I was expecting to see this red object become smaller as my slugish automobile would casually change through the gears! My expectations were correct, but to my shock I was observing this red object in my rear view mirror! I had gained a good twenty metres and all I could see behind me was tyre smoke with a very loud and continuous screaching noise! Dan had applied to much gas and did not show his clutch any respect! The pressure was now on as his beast had to encounter engine labour and panic had set in! I had just cleared 50mph and was preparing to celebrate my victory. All of a sudden the red beast whizzed passed me and pipped me at the last moment! Dan was victorious but showed many signs of embarrassment!
I would always tell people that story at later dates. Dan would always finish it and make excuses by saying 'The car stalled!'
The truth is out now Dan!
Party poppers
We were at my Nan and Grandads 50th wedding annarversiary when we clocked the party poppers and some squirty cream, while everyone was out the kitchen Me Daniel and Adam set to work, we tooked the cardboard bit out from the bottom and filled the bit you hold with cream then replaced the cardbord bit at the bottom, as usual my Mum came in ' what are you up to now' see walked away in disbelief, when the time was right we passed them out to our younger cousins and sat back watched the show, reactions on everyones faces i will never forget, my Nan had thought she had brought the wrong party poppers and said 'they never use to do that'
Swim for it.
My Dad was teaching us about outboards (boat engines) he had one on the side explaining how it all worked, then he showed us how to start it by pulling this cord, i had a go it started after a couple of pulls, Daniel had a go it just didn't happen no matter how hard he tried it would not start, my Dad was encourging him trying to fire him up really getting into it to help him, he said theirs a big steam boat heading towards you you need to get this boat started what you gonna do!!! Jump out and swim Dan replied and walked off.
need Beer!
We turned up to a family party and as usual Daniel Adam and myself went to the bar, one problem, we reached the que on the way into the hall, we waited as long as we could (1 min) to see if the que would get shorter, it got longer, Daniel remembered we passed an off lisence on the way through the town so we jumped in my car drove down and picked a few selections of crates, and a bottle of coke for the women, the faces when we walked in was a picture, not long after all the stares and comments they realised it wasn't a bad idea and so too decided to go down the off lisence.
I always remember my Mum sayings at nearly all the family get togethers, why is it all was you lot, what have you all done now, these were the popular ones i connot print the others i never understood the talk through gritted teeth, really we all knew she was proud of her sons!!!! this started at the age of 5 to 28 always worked as a team and always having a laugh.
Knock-Off Nigel!
It was March 2002, my 23rd Birthday.
Dan, a few other friends and I went to Southend-on-Sea for a celebratory pub crawl! I remember it well cos it was the day that the Queen Mother passed away. We all intended to be loud and boisterous but had to keep a lid on things as a mark of respect. We had no choice really cos every bar that we went into had a plasma screen with Sir Trevor McDonald and various other people offering their condolences.
Anyway, Dan was a bit late that morning and missed the train at Benfleet Station where we all agreed to meet. He rang me and we agreed to meet up with him in Yates Bar when he was ready.
When he eventually got off the train at Southend Central he rang me again to say, 'I've just got off the train, I'm gonna draw some money out and I'll be in Yates in a bit'. Ten minutes later he walks into the bar and we had a few sherbets, the day had now began! If I remember rightly I think he treated himself to his usual 'Burger & Chips' too!
A couple of hours later I said, 'Lets go to Route 66 across the road for a few games of pool'. Everyone was up for that, Dan said 'I'll see you in there, I've gotta get some money out first'. We all replied 'I thought you had already been to the cash machine?'. He then said, 'Yeah I did but then some bloke pulled up in a car and offered me a watch for forty quid, so I bought it!'.
I looked at this watch and I've never seen anything so ugly in my life! It was like a miniature grand-father clock and it ticked so loud that I thought he had bought it from Al-Qaeda! After all the laughing I then said to him, 'Was this car a Robin Reliant?'. He looked confused and said 'No, what you talking about?'. I replied 'Well it looks like you bought it from Trotters Independent Traders!'.
If Dan wanted something then Dan would have it, thats the way it was. Nothing else was important, if he liked something then it was good enough for him.
Sorry Paul's a little wet again!
When we were younger the area we lived in was being built on, it was great for us lot playing in the empty new houses being built, running around in the over grown fields, going through the old houses that were now empty stuff we use to find, i remember Daniel coming home with this sledge hammer and it wasn't exactly small, god knows how he never got caught and why did he bring this home. Daniel was playing on this dumper truck when Paul and myself were running about and just as Paul stood under the tipper bit Daniel realised the catch causing it to tip forward, the tipper bit was full of water the timing could not have been better, Poor Mum had to expain why her son was so wet.
Daniel and Paul one day over the over growth found this deep hole full of water, Paul thought it be a good idea to cover it up and get me to walk the same path and fall into it, Paul put a rock by the hole to remind himself where it was, they both come over to me and we went for a walk, Paul ran in front when his leg disappeared into the ground, when he got up he was soaked,not known to Paul Daniel had moved the rock further up,
The Ice Skating Experience!
It was December 2005, Dan had just bought two tickets for an ice skating experience at Somerset House, London.
It was going to be a Xmas surprise for his girlfriend, he was completely chuffed with his idea. A romantic setting on an outdoor, Xmas decorated, ice skating rink in the heart of the city. I like your style Dan!
When he presented her with the gift pack he didnt realise that there was a clash of dates. It turned out that his girlfriend had a Xmas meal/night out to attend with her work colleagues, she had pre-paid too.
Dan tried to obtain a refund but failed to be reimbursed due to the terms and conditions. He didnt wanna let the tickets go to waste, so he asked me if I would like to go along with him. Much to his surprise I said 'yes', I just saw it as an excuse to have a binge drink! Dan was now worried that we were gonna look like a pair of poofs!
When we arrived in London that day I allowed enough time for a bit of liquid intoxication! I took Dan around Leicester Square and Covent Garden for a few beers, he liked the surroundings in which we didnt have to walk far when moving onto the next pub! I think he liked all the women too!
Once the evening crept up on us we made our way to the ice skating venue. Dan wanted to have a bet to see who would fall over first. He was pretty cocky because he had been before, whereas he knew this was my first time! Sure enough it was Dan that bit the dust first as his fifteen and a half stone hit the ice harder than the Titanic! I did laugh!
Once I got into the rhythm I decide to make a funny video with my mobile phone. I gave Dan the phone and said 'I'm gonna do a lap, when I get back round I'm gonna do something funny and I want you to record me'. So off I set building up to a neck breaking speed, I didnt have a clue what to do for the camera and was trying to rack my brains in the meantime. When I finally approached Dan I realised that I was out of control and tried to skid to a halt. I ended up steaming into him and forced him up against the barrier, my knee went straight into his privates and left him completely winded and grounded once again!
After the skating we limped to the nearest bar just along the road. On entering everyone looked at us, I thought nothing of it and just ignored the twats! Dan got the pints in while I went to the toilet. I was urinating against the urinal when I noticed a weird looking chap observing my genetals! I swiftly told him where to go before straining every drop as quickly as possible! I walked back over to Dan and said 'We're leaving now!'. Once we had made an exit Dan replied 'Its not like you to leave a pint, what was that all about?'. I just looked up at the doorway where I discovered a rainbow symbol and said ' Thats the problem!'. I then went on to tell Dan about my bad experience to which he found absolutely hilarious and, Dan being Dan, he continued to wind me up for the rest of the night!
How wonderful to read these stories, Daniel really was a fun loving lad & your memories will live on forever. God Bless XX
Moving
Daniel and Adam was helping me move, we had such a laugh that day we were racing round the yellow storage box with the trolleys crashing into the walls, Daniel and Adam had me in stiches carrying stuff up the stairs they would get stuck and when Adam laughs he can't stop leaving Daniel to take all the weight they were putting things in the wrong places even though Claire had written on everything, I was with Adam and had not seen Daniel for a while and so i asked Adam he just started laughing, he had locked him in the shed
and left him there, i let him out and he was just laughing, that was it with us 3 we never took it seriously because we knew no matter what the other had done to us we had done it before or had to think of someting better.
Daniel doesn't have any gifts yet. Why not be the first to add one?
Click here to leave Daniel a gift
All proceeds from gifts go to the upkeep of GoneTooSoon and help keep this site free.
Create an ever lasting memorial for your loved ones.
Start here »
Using the options below you can add this memorial to your personal garden.
| I am Daniel's ... | |
| Add to Garden: | |
| Notifications: | Text Message |
There have been 98 candles lit for Daniel.
