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TRIBUTES FROM

MEMBERS OF THE 1966 AUSTRALIAN TOUR GROUP

 

What a lovely man and we will all miss him so much.

 

A real blow and he fought his poor health so bravely and cheerfully. He was a fine leader and great enthusiast for hockey, we will miss him hugely.

 

He was such a lovely bloke, inspirational captain and fine player. He was a great influence on me and had a huge army of friends in the hockey and media worlds.

 

He has been inspirational in his leadership of our group since the summer of 1966 and particularly in arranging the great reunion and keeping in touch with us all since - in spite of the ever increasing difficulties with his own health. I can think of no-one who was more passionate about our game. We have lost a great man".

 

Pross has borne his ill health with incredible courage and remarkable cheerfulness. 

He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with Amanda and the family.

 

What sad news! Despite his health problems he carried on with his life in a very cheery way and made little fuss of the burden he had. He led us right up to the end. Alas, he will be sorely missed.

 

This is truly devastating news. David has been one of my best friends in the hockey world for nearly 60 years. He was already a member of the Welsh team when I first represented our country in 1962. He was an inspirational captain for much of that time. His proven qualities with Wales led to him becoming the “Pross” we all admired - with the GB set-up, and in particular, the Australian tour and the subsequent reunion in Surbiton.

 

What very sad news. David was the glue that kept us all together. My thoughts are with his family at this time. The hockey world has lost a great man.

 

What sad news. A lovely person and a great leader, who has done so much to keep us together. He will be greatly missed throughout the hockey world – and I mean the world. Our love and thoughts go to Amanda and family.

 

This sad news has just been received on this side of the Atlantic and I echo the tributes that you have posted. I have been very grateful to Pross for keeping me in touch with you all after so many years. My sympathy and best wishes to Amanda and her family.

 

I was really upset to hear the sad news of the passing of a Great Man, Sportsman

and Friend to so many of us. 

 

It was a great pleasure and honour to have played alongside Pross for GB, particularly in Australia and to catch up at the fantastic Surbiton reunion. A lovely man, who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Amanda and family at this sad time.

 

As a young player, he led in Australia more than on the pitch. Apart from Jonah, there was no management team and, as the Aussies were determined  - but failed - to drink Jonah under the table, morning organisation  and assembly fell on David. That the tour was so memorable to all who were on it was to his credit. The respect the team had for him was retained throughout his life.

 

TRIBUTES FROM OTHER GB HOCKEY PLAYERS

 

For me, he was all that is best about our game. Hard and tough competitor on the field and the best friend you could have off it. I will forever remember his face wreathed in smiles. Sad day but Pross lit up our lives.

 

Above all, David was a true gentleman, who was loved, appreciated and respected by all who knew him. Having first played against David over 60 years ago he will always be in my memory. He was really philosophical and simply accepted everything. "No regrets, just had a great time with many great friends and memories, I've been lucky".

 

I was so sorry to hear the very sad news that David (Pross) had passed away. He put up a brave fight with his breathing problems but never complained when I used to meet up with him. He was a lovely man and a great hockey player who rapped my shins on more than one occasion - but always with a smile. David will be sorely missed by all who knew him as he contributed so much to all our lives. My sincere condolences to Amanda and all the family.

 

A talented, generous and inspiring man. My life has certainly been better for knowing David, as has that of so many others.

 

One of the all time greats in the hockey world over a long and distinguished career. 

 

A talented, generous and inspiring man.

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