OBIT: Auction house pays tribute to ‘total gentleman’
Dave Pennick of Wilsons Auctions' Belfast, who managed property sales across NI, had just reached his 10-year anniversary with the group before succumbing to cancer.
Northern Irelands’s property sector was in mourning this week after Wilsons Auctions announced news of the death of the firm’s Dave Pennick last Friday.
Pennick (main picture) was a member of the firm’s Belfast branch, managing land and property sales across Northern Ireland and had just reached his 10-year anniversary with the group in March. He had been battling cancer over the last 12 months.
CHARISMATIC
A statement on Wilsons Auctions LinkedIn page said: “With heavy hearts and great sorrow, we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Dave Pennick, who passed away in the early hours of Friday 5th April 2024. His charismatic and enthusiasm will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
“Dave was a respected member of our Belfast branch, managing land and property sales across Northern Ireland, just reaching his 10-year milestone this March. His charismatic and enthusiasm will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
“Dave battled with cancer over the last 12 months and passed away peacefully after a hard fought battle. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
TRIBUTES
Tributes to Pennick flooded in.
Peter Johnston, Operations Director at Wilsons Auctions, says: “Many of us in the organisation knew Dave prior to coming to work for us.
“Dave was at the forefront of the fashion industry in Belfast and as President of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in promoting and bettering the City.”
He adds: “I remember well interviewing Dave 10 years ago when he was ready for a career change, and was delighted that he decided to join the family business. He enjoyed his work and we very much enjoyed working with him. He was a friend as well as a colleague and we will miss him.”
TOTAL GENTLEMAN
Philip Armstrong, Solicitor at Armstrong Solicitors in Northern Ireland, says: “Deepest condolences to all of Dave’s family, friends and colleagues. We worked together on many cases over the years and he was always a total gentleman.”
Janet Knox, Paralegal at Belfast-based Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors, says: “Such sad news to hear, Dave was an absolute gentlemen and so helpful on all the property transactions we shared over the years. Deepest condolences to all of Dave’s family, friends and colleagues.”
And David McAleese, Director at MacAllister McAleese Solicitors, also in Belfast, adds: “Was working with Dave right up until very, very recently and he always kept the gravity of his illness very personal. Awful news that he has lost this battle and thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
‘LOAD OF CRAIC’
David Menary, Head of Residential at Colliers Northern Ireland, says: “Dealt with Dave many times, a gent with a load of craic… very sorry to hear the sad, sad news of his passing.”
And Joe Diamond, Partner at Coleraine-based Macaulay Wray Solicitors, adds: “Such a shock. Dave was a true gentleman that I had the pleasure of dealing with regularly. Thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Anyone who would like to pay respects to Dave’s family pleas email John Ardill via [email protected]
