TRIBUTES continued to pour in today for Peninsula School Sport officer Dave Andrews, who died suddenly on Tuesday.

Dave was a great friend and neighbour, he wil be deeply missed. Marion, oliver and Lana.

For all the help and support you've given me over the years Dave, I thank you. You will be sadly missed. Kristen Knight FSS.

Any local knows dave andrews' face, dnt thnk thr was one local sporting event he missd! A light has gone out now. U will b missd D.A. Em bentley

My condolences 2 the Andrews fam. D.A was a Lively Larikin on a mission 2 radiate happiness n sunshine in our community. He will b sorely missed by all. The Carter family, Woree.

Dave will be missed by all far northeners. He was the most respectable and friendly guy. Cynthia, Cairns.

D.A., Your passion and spirit will never be forgotten i hope upstairs has plenty of sports - they will need it for you. Love Tom, Renee and Patrick Maher. 
    
Emails: 
   
Dear Sports Fans,

I am writing to express my great sorrow at the passing of Dave Andrews. I have worked closely with Dave for a number of years as one of his team- Peninsula Primary School Boys Hockey Coach. Having moved to Brisbane, I have maintained contact though my position as Chair of Queensland Primary School Hockey.

When David took on the role of Regional School Sports Officer, it was like a breath of fresh air. Dave was keen and supportive of hockey. I enjoyed working with himas he was always dependable and organized. We worked together to improve the standing of Peninsula Boys Hockey from the bottom of the ladder to State Champions. Today Peninsula Primary Boys Hockey are a force to be considered at state championships with representation in state teams. Dave mentored me into a better coach and sporting official with his challenges, queries, encouragement and acknowledgements.

Dave supported the Peninsula Sporting teams by ensuring students had equity in access by negotiating great deals and sponsorship. Dave ensured that we looked like a professional team by upgrading uniforms He wanted us to look great but kept a tight and balanced budget.  He was innovative in his support of teachers and officials with so many things- training, handbooks, moving to the digital age, media communication and a million other supports that everyone took for granted.

Dave took his position seriously, was professional in his approach to School Sport but balanced this with a great sense of fun. This year the Primary State Championships will be held in Cairns and I was looking forward to catching up with DA and maybe having a drink, a visit to the casino after dinner and whatever other fun he would produce. Queensland Primary School Hockey will miss David Andrews. I will miss him.
 
I know Dave was connected with many sports through his work but also through his outside interests.  Dave you will be sorely missed. Rest in peace and enjoy your time with your sporting idols as we try to fill these huge shoes.

Vicki Sparkes, Petrie Terrace State School.

 In a statement on Wednesday, the Skytrans Cairns Taipans board said management, staff, players and officials were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of their good friend D.A. (Dave Andrews) from the Taipans family.

"D.A. was a well respected and close friend to many of the Skytrans Cairns Taipans staff and players, and he will be missed by us all.  We offer our condolences to Dave's family for the tragic loss."

Text tributes from the fans:

I hope heaven has foxtel 4 you D.A., Mattmann, Edge Hill.

My high school days seem so long ago, yet u remained in our lives. Sad ur not going 2 c my boys play sport. Goodby Dave, Wendy McNab X Brothers Cameron & Nathan McNab.

Dave was the biggest sport of them he will b missed greatly by all, Deb.

A great bloke and great mate and a part of 4CA i will miss you da, Locco. 
    
Email tributes: 
    
What a sad day and a huge loss to Cairns. We celebrate and thank D.A. for his contribution to sport and the guidance he has given to many. Dave Andrews will be missed, Mel Smith, AFL Cairns Womens League & Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldog Babes. 
   
What a shock. I have some great memories of DA, Steve and me on the winning team of the last Great Debate. He really won it for us and I will cherish those memories forever. He was just a top bloke, always had time to stop for a chat and a laugh every time he saw you. Will miss you mate, love always Annette & Clay, Annette Jarrett Regional Community Fundraiser FNQ Leukaemia Foundation.
 
As a co-owner of the Cairns Taipans, I am at a complete loss to comprehend the loss of our best mate D.A. He was and always will be Taipans #1 fan. This is without a hesitation of doubt. Much deeper than this, however, his loss to Far North Queensland's sporting community as a whole, will only be realised in coming weeks and months. His enthusiasm for life transposed to every aspect of his working and social life and he infected all those he worked with and simply communicated with. I am only so thankful that my family and I spent an evening with D.A., just days before we lost him. His infectious laugh, his love, his passion, will be absolutely missed, but never, and I mean never, forgotten! I know I am a lot better person for having known D.A. Lui Garozzo.  Lui, Pam, Bec & Damian Garozzo.
 
D.A.'s passion for sport was legendary. His work, particularly with young people in sport, no doubt, gave many self esteem and direction that may have kept them off the streets. This is but part of the wonderful legacy he leaves behind. While this memory lives, so he shall live. Peter Roggenkamp.  
 
    
Junelle and George from C`est Bon French restaurant  wish to express the great loss of D. A.  to the community of Cairns and anyone who was so closely connected to him in sports. You will be greatly missed D. A. Junelle and George.

Share this article