Tributes paid to travelling David

Dave McMillan

TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-travelled chef, who was a loved brother, best man and godfather.

David ‘Magsy’ McMillan (51) of Failsworth, died in his sleep on May 22, after suffering a heart attack whilst working in the Falkland Islands.

He had been a ‘camp boss’ or catering manager working on oil rigs there.

The former South Chadderton school pupil lived at Cemetery Road, before taking on a catering course at Tameside College.

He was thrilled to be given an apprenticeship at Manchester’s Piccadilly Hotel — then, in 1978, the only 5-star hotel outside of London.

Two years later he was off to Bermuda, where he took on a chef departee position, before moving on to work at various hotels in Yorkshire, Bosnia and Dubai, as well as working offshore in the southern sector of the North Sea.

Jet-setter David lived in Spain for nine years, was a huge Manchester United fan and enjoyed reading.

He was the loved son of the late Mary and Jim and is survived by his older sister, Kathryn.

Kathryn said: “A lot of people are coming to his funeral from Australia, Spain, all over. He was my baby brother and he will be sorely missed. He did so much for me.”

Gary Bickley knew David since he was seven years old and they both ended up working in the catering industry.

David was his best man and also godfather to his children, Sophie and Austen.

He said: “He was a great lad who had a lot of time for people — he made a real effort to keep in contact with people, especially from school.

“The amount of friends he had for someone the wrong side of 50 was incredible.”

David’s friend, Graham Priestley, said: “He was a really good mate — I’ve known him since school. He used to come back to see me once a month and then he’d go back out to Spain. He died too young.”

A funeral service and committal will take place at Oldham Crematorium at 10am on Wednesday, June 8.

Donations for Alzheimers Society are welcome.