Tributes for Newcastle United fan who died in the Philippines, leaving four-year-old son
'Geordie legend' and Newcastle fan Dave Cartman died suddenly in the Philippines aged just 45 - leaving a wife and young son
by Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveA "Geordie legend" who was a much-loved part of expat Newcastle United fan groups in the Middle East has died suddenly in the Phillipines. Dave Cartman, 45, died, in news which was shared on Wednesday to the shock of friends and family.
Born and brought up in Newcastle and Northumberland, he leaves wife Liezel and their four-year-old son Harrison. Close friend Ian Smith, who met Dave in Abu Dhabi, explained how they became fast friends more than a decade ago among the tight-knit expat community in Abu Dhabi.
Ian told ChronicleLive; "I used to joke with him that he had seven Newcastle tops - one for every day of the week. Dave was part of a group that came together in Abu Dhabi in around 2012 - some of them a bit before. It was a big group of expats in Abu Dhabi at the time, building hospitals and that sort of thing.
"I was introduced to Dave, who had just arrived. Our mate said he was going to be away for a month or two - could I look after Dave and introduce him to people? From my first meeting with him, Dave was a lot of good banter, a lot of good craic.
"He was a really fun guy and before I knew it he was bouncing around the place like Tigger. Everyone knew him and he was the life and soul of the community. He walked into that community and blew everyone away."
Dave, who went to Berwick High School, was a "vibrant personality" who was much loved - and a man who would always put his hand in his pocket to help others. One particular example was following the deaths of fellow Toon fans Liam Sweeney and John Alder when the flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine.
Dave met Liezel, who was the waitress at an Abu Dhabi restaurant the friendship group used to frequent, and never looked back. They married in 2017 and had a son shortly before lockdown.
Ian continued: "During Ramadan they would shut the bars until late, but being Dave he was friends with someone who had an Italian restaurant, so we would go there after work. That's where there was a waitress - Liezel - an they hit it off straight away.
"Their boy is four now. Dave loved spending time with him, teaching him Geordie sayings and watching the games with him. This was out of the blue - we knew he'd been feeling poorly but never expected something like this.
"It's all about trying to do something for Liezel and Harrison. He's his four-year-old son and he's just lost his dad. We have raised just short of £4,000 - all we would like to do is get enough to cover the bills and give them some space to breathe.
"Dave was Newcastle through and through. And the thing about Dave is he would always support others. He really believed in helping people out in tough times."
Dave became part of the Dubai Mags supporters group - and the presence of Northumberland-born England international Trevor Steven, who went to the same school as Dave, became another wry joke among the friends, as the retired footballer would be occasionally found watching football with Dave, too.
Dave's friends said that while if they looked back through messages, they got a sense he hadn't been feeling his best, it was still hard to believe he is no longer here. On his fundraising page, Ian added: "Dear friends, family, UAE ex pat, Philippines and Geordie community.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear friend, Dave Cartman - a true Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Geordie legend, known and loved by so many. Dave’s infectious laughter, kindness, and vibrant personality touched the lives of everyone who knew him and many that didn't with his jokes and laughter. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Liezel, and their beautiful 4-year-old son, Harrison.
"As we come to terms with this immense loss, we are reaching out to all those who knew and loved Dave to help support Liezel and Harrison during this challenging time. Losing a husband and father is an unimaginable loss, and Liezel now faces the daunting task of moving forward without her best friend by her side. We want to alleviate the financial burden and ensure that Harrison has all the support he needs for a bright future."
The hope is that donations will help support hospital fees and funeral expenses - and then help Liezel and Harrison through the coming weeks and months. Ian added: "Every contribution, big or small, is a step towards helping this wonderful family through their darkest days."
To support the Go Fund Me - click the link or visit gofundme.com/f/dave-cartman
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