David Collen, affectionately always known a 'Codge' passed away on Friday 26th April.
He had a fall on Feb 8th and damaged his arm. Two weeks later he was admitted to hospital with a cracked femur . Unknown to to the family he had also damaged his hip in the primal fall. There was further trauma to his arm whilst he was in hospital and he was quite poorly. He left hospital a week ago and spent the remaining time in a local nursing home( situated just at the end of the road in which he lived) and died heavily sedated so no pain.
He was at our last Former Players Reunion earlier this year.

David was a prominent 1st team prop in the early 1960s and later became captain of the junior sides helping to bring on new talent.
The funeral is on Monday 13th May 11.30 at the crematorium for family only followed by service in Lymm Methodist Church at 12.30 then Lymm’s Golf Club.
The service at the crem and in church will be available on line. Details later.
The church service will be on YouTube under Lymm Methodist Church.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lymm+methodist+church
Our condolences go to his wife Eve and their family.

Eve has written a tribute to David, as follows:
David Collen
David was born in Keighley West Yorks (West Riding ) into a loving extended family and was much adored by his sister Freda who was 5 years older. Family life, as was often the case then centred on church. Not only worship, but a wide range of social activities including concerts plays, whist drives, teas , meetings, and activities for young people through uniform groups and youth club. Saturdays were often spent watching cricket in the summer (or playing).
David attended local primary schools ( Eastwood and Parkwood) and Keighley Boys’ Grammar School ( 1952-1959). His interest in playing sport continued (even though a primary school report had observed ‘ David runs hard not fast’). This probably wasn’t a disadvantage for a prop forward! He was on the school rugby and cricket teams , played for Keighley Rugby Union Football Club, local church cricket teams and maintained his interest in Scouting becoming a Queen’s Scout.
He studied Chemistry at Manchester University and played rugby at
Heaton Moor. After graduating in in 1962 , he spent a year in Bangor North Wales studying for his PGCE. And he played rugby for Bangor University.
Although David remained a true Yorkshire man in every sense, it was at this time he began to develop a deep affection for Wales and all things Welsh – including the rugby of course.
David returned to his home town ,Keighley, and began his teaching career at Keighley Secondary Technical School surrounded by young and enthusiastic colleagues. He continued to play rugby and cricket, but also developed an interest in Bridge. He was a very capable player, but could never beat his mother in a game of cribbage!
David and Eve married in 1965. They had met 9 years earlier at-scouts/guides / church youth club. They lived in Crosshills near Skipton and then David was forced into a change of jobs because of the reorganisation of the Keighley schools system. He became a lecturer at Bradford Technical College – soon to become Bradford University- and it was convenient for Bradford Bridge Club.
In 1970 following the birth of their first children, Emma and Glyn, David and Eve relocated to LYMM where they have remained ever since. David was appointed Head of Science at Broadoak School a newly formed comprehensive. It was an exciting time with lots of very committed staff. There were also many extracurricular activities: sport, trips abroad, hostel and walking holidays in the Lake District and dramatic productions. David was a memorable Dame in one Christmas pantomime!
Sara was born a year later and the responsibilities of a young family brought to an end Saturdays spent playing cricket at Grappenhall or Rugby at LYMM Rugby Club. Interest in Bridge was rekindled and David taught Bridge at the evening classes at LYMM High.
He became a member of LYMM Round Table in 1974. And in later years a member of LYMM Dingle Probus. He helped at Brownie/ Guide swimming and became a qualified swimming instructor.
His children attended LYMM High and joined the sailing club- but parents were expected to help. David joined in enthusiastically putting his practical skills to good use. He enjoyed driving the rescue boat at Tatton, learned to sail a dinghy and then became more ambitious. He branched out and bought a small cruiser which
was moored in the Menai Straits. Sailing qualifications followed plus a larger boat which made cruises further afield possible.
David remained reasonably active even in his later years and walking his dog was an important part of his routine and he continued to worship at Eagle Brow Methodist Church. He to read his ‘Guardian’ everyday, but lost his passion for the cryptic crossword and sudukos , but remained an avid reader,
David leaves a legacy of three wonderful children and seven grandchildren. And because he was a practical man- for most of his life doing-all necessary house and car maintenance-he also leaves a garage full of tools, screws, nails, tins, bits of wood and useful bits of rope that only he knew how to find.
David lived a full and happy life. His most important legacy is that he loved and was loved. ‘ All that remains of us is love’ says the poet Philip Larkin.
RIP you amazing man.
.