Farewell David Bryant, Moreton Morrell, T&RA and Team GB
David Bryant sadly passed away on 11 February following major surgery at the Royal Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
David Bryant with victorious Over 60 Team GB at Newmarket in 2015
David was a great supporter of Real Tennis, both at his home club, Moreton Morrell, and more broadly on the Tennis Committee of the Tennis & Rackets Association. He has represented Great Britain at Over 60s, and it was in this capacity he played his last match of the game he passionately enjoyed. At club level, David was an ever present and active member, both on court and looking after the interests of his beloved club. No detail was ever too trivial for David to follow up.
David has served as the Chairman of the International Handicapping Sub Committee and as the National Handicapping and Rankings Sub-Committee. His knowledge of the handicapping system is perhaps his greatest contribution to Real Tennis and many will have felt the impact of his scrutiny, although always tempered with his great integrity. In recent years he has used his considerable talents to develop the Real Tennis Online Booking System, introducing many new clubs to this technology whilst ever increasing its capability and functionality. Most recently he participated in a three man audit of protective eyewear; his own initiative from which many will reap the benefit in years to come
David would always pursue any issue to its logical conclusion; a refreshing counter-check to ensure everybody was on their mettle. His determination and persistence were among his enduring qualities. Anybody who had the privilege of working with David would benefit from his systematic approach; a great team member with huge knowledge and practicality to add to any project. He will be sorely missed.
Condolences and tributes have flooded in from all who knew David; and from many who didn’t know him directly, but respected his knowledge and wisdom. Touching tributes include
.... a lovely man who died playing Tennis which he loved so very much.
.... David was always keen to help; he would do anything for Tennis.
.... David was such a great supporter and we always benefitted greatly from his straightforward approach and attitude.
The T&RA sends its deepest condolences to wife, Anne, and children, Claire and John.
David in Ballarat 2017
Family, friends including the great and good from the Real Tenns Comminuty said farewell to David at the Oakley Wood Crematorium on Wednesday 1st March - St David's Day.
Donations to the British Heart Foundation, the ICU at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne Australia or the Moreton Morrell Appeal Fund.