Dave McComb Snr (76), father of club coach Dave McComb, has died of a heart attack. A sports fanatic he came into athletics largely via his son and quickly became part of the scene as a very astute coach, particularly the Pole Vault, and as a field event official. He will be mainly remembered though as an announcer at track and field meetings. His easy conversational style and dry wit endeared him to many. He always saw the fun side of things. Although originally from the Pembroke era he nevertheless continued his support following our merger in 1995. There are so many of memories of this vastly entertaining and larger than life figure. When the new track opened in the Isle of Man the club was one of those that took part in the opening meeting. There are countless anecdotes regarding this occasion but in my mind is the long walk along the promenade at Douglas with Dave and two other members and the non stop banter and laughter engendered by this delightful character. As I write this I can still hear the wicked chuckle and visualise the expansive smile. Dave, you will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Our thoughts go out to his wife, family and many friends.
Funeral arrangements to follow.
Charles Gains
Dave McComb Snr 2012
So sorry to hear of the death of Dave a great guy who I have very many fond memories over many years. I too was on that trip to the Isle Man with the Sefton Harrier team and enjoyed Dave’s company. My thoughts are with Dave jnr and the rest of the McComb family at this difficult time.
Robbie Wood
Such a gentleman……….our thoughts are with all of the McCombe family. The Wood sisters.
Thank you for your kind words. My Grandpa loved this club and was honoured to be part of LPS. My Dad would like to thank everyone for their support at this time.
Dave was a wonderful, kind funny man who loved his athletics and tried his best to help whenever he could. RIP Dave x
I had the tremendous pleasure of being coached by Dave McComb Snr. He embodied everything that a coach should be and more. He was respected by everybody that had the pleasure to know him. I have great memories of Dave around athletics and socially. Sea fishing on the Holyhead harbour jetty will never be the same.
Mr McComb (as he will always be to me having known him since I was a young teenager) was that rarest of people, a gentleman who was genuinely a gentle man. He gave of his time equally to all, regardless of ability and asked only in return that they try. Never a raised voice or a harsh word, that simply wasn’t his way. His encouraging and positive manner resulted not only in producing athletes of quality, but also a group with longevity; many of whom are still active in the sport today, decades later. This is a legacy that very few achieve.
The links below lead to pictures taken in 1985 at Leeds and Gateshead. The metres of tape coiled round his feet in the first picture, are the result of having just measured a throw from a young Mick Hill. The second picture shows him watching over Alex Kruger jumping at his best. Mr Mac, the official and the coach.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=106260606069343&set=a.106260369402700.12229.100000562123932&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=515526485142751&set=a.106259346069469.12228.100000562123932&type=3&theater
The funeral of Dave McComb will take place on Friday 12th July at 3.15pm at St Marys Church Walton on the Hill. Followed by a service at Anfield Crem at 4.00pm.
The McComb family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the lovely messages of condolences and all the cards and flowers the family have received.