David Luke Allen (1985-2022)

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of David “Dave” Luke Allen announces his passing after a brief illness, on December 25th, 2022.

 Dave will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kat, whom he met in Aberystwyth, his son, Jake, and daughter, Rosie, with their third child due in March of 2023. He passed away at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, surrounded by his beloved family.

 Affectionately known to many as “Brummie Dave” during his time in Aberystwyth, Dave took on the role of editor at the University student newspaper, The Courier. He took great pride in the work he did, which helped to further shape his professional life. It’s no overstatement to say that the role he took steered him toward his career as Digital and Creative Services Manager at University of Wolverhampton, following a spell in Events and Digital Services at Birmingham City University.

 For all the great things one could say about his professional achievements, nothing compares to the wonderful achievements Dave made in his personal life. He and his wife Kat created a beautiful family together, one that is still growing, and will carry his memory on in his absence.

 Dave filled his life, and loved living it. That love will carry on long after his death. Even during a long period of ill-health in his late twenties, which nevertheless brought him even closer to his mother, who donated to him a kidney, Dave didn’t stop living. His interests and knowledge spread far and wide. A huge football fan, Dave supported Aston Villa F.C. He was also a lover of the arts, of culture; an avid reader, with a keen interest in cinema, gaming and music. We shared many nights on the dance floor, well, moshpit, if we’re being honest.

 You should know that he was warm, witty, and impressively knowledgeable. He was also unspeakably kind; so kind that it made the rest of us look bad. When he spoke with you, he didn’t just listen — he cared. It was his superpower, and it was contagious. His moral compass was handed down to him by his devoted parents, Mark and Margaret. In the weeks since his passing, I’ve found myself asking, “What would Dave do?” on more than one occasion. I’ll be asking myself for the rest of my life. It’s just one of the many, many gifts he’s given me.

 Dave’s funeral took place on Thursday, February 9th 2023 at the Bushberry Crematorium, Underhill Lane, Wolverhampton, and donations were collected towards Kidney Research UK.

 Dan John Witherall, (English Literature, 2006)