David John Ellis (FS 44-49)
David, aged 84, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2015. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Mike (Selma) and Moira (Mark) and grandchildren Morgan (Ezra), Kevin, Sean and Maggie, brother John (Barbara) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Dave was predeceased by his wife Mary, son Paul and sister Judy.
The following is an edited piece submitted by David some time ago for inclusion in the Bulletin – Ed. “Almost immediately after leaving St Bees in 1949 I was called up for the mandatory National Service. On discharge, I joined a firm of Timber Agents and Brokers in Liverpool. After 18 months in the Softwood Sales Department specializing in Canadian lumber, I was sent to British Columbia, Canada to work with our suppliers. After a brief return to the UK, I emigrated to Vancouver in 1954 with my wife. The first ten years were not easy as I worked for five small lumber companies, all of which went broke! I finally got a break and was appointed Export Sales Manager for the largest wholesale lumber company in the US, based in Portland, Oregon. I remained with this company for 15 years, before joining another Portland company that wanted me to open a branch office for them in Vancouver, where I remained for another 15 years.
	Please click here to see some further photos of David.
I then formed my own company (which I should have done much earlier) and kept on exporting lumber for a further 17 years. In 2010, I finally decided to retire at the age of 79, just short of working 60 years in the industry.  I have visited St Bees a few times, the most memorable of which was as a member of the group of ex 1st XV players who assembled in the mid 1990s for the unveiling of the plaque commemorating our coach T.A. Brown.”
Ian MacPherson (F44-47) adds: “I am saddened to hear that David Ellis has died. I can remember a boyish face and a great sense of fun and kindness. I coached him on two or three occasions when he played rugby, He always tried hard. I seem to recall his sense of adventure when trying anything new.”

 

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