A photo of David Alexander Mackenzie

David Alexander Mackenzie

10th Jun 1992 — 19th Feb 2021
Calligraphic 'swirl' motif

David passed away on Friday the 19th of February as he completed a Half Marathon in Abu Dhabi. He pushed himself to the very end, finishing the course in 90 minutes before he collapsed following sudden cardiac arrest. His wife Alex was by his side, and he was surrounded by dear friends.

It is hard to reason why such a fit and healthy man has been taken from us in the prime of his life. He was in “the peak condition of my life” when he set off to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind. He ran his last race like he lived his entire life; to the absolute fullest, uncompromising in every way.

Dave was immensely proud of his family; the youngest son of Bob and Jane, little brother to Charlie, Peter and Cate, and twin to George. We all knew Dave for his easy charm, that cheeky smile and a glimmer in his eye that revealed his undeniable enthusiasm for life.  

He was a devoted husband to Alex, the love of his life. Together, they started a new adventure in Abu Dhabi - a place they shared with the people they adored.

He was a loyal friend, blessed with the rare gift of making those who knew him feel special. Being part of Dave’s circle made you feel secure. He was a man you could depend on in your hour of need.

We are so proud to have shared 28 and a half years with our Dave. He equipped us with the assurance we need to overcome our hardest challenge yet. Together, family and friends, we have raised over £20,000 for Mind through Dave and Alex’s charity page. Our boy would demand we spread this far and wide. We have left the link below:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlexandraPhelan

The celebration of Dave’s life will take place after his committal on Friday 19th March 2021 at 11:45am. There will be an opportunity for our family and friends - from every corner of the world - to share this day through a live stream which will appear on this page.

All our love,

The Mackenzie family.

Share This Obituary

Messages Of Condolence

Dave, my boi - you are in my thoughts today more than most other days. You always made sure that your birthdays were days not to be missed. The last one we spent together in 2019 sticks in the memory, partly because I got in trouble for staying out all night, but mostly because of how worth it it was. I remember a rooftop bar, a live band and plenty of dancing somewhere in Peckham, happy days. While we may not feel much like celebrating this year, I know you would insist that the party carries on and so I raise a glass to you and to George, my wonderful friends. Miss you today and always x
Hugh J-G
Davo, you are my brother and I will always love you. I met you on the first day of uni and we were both the ‘last turkeys in the shop’. Since then you have always been my best mate. You are a diamond geezer and we will meet again one day. Until then rest in peace. Boi blue, forever.
Raoul Cheema
Dave wasn't someone I knew very well, but I remember fondly my few interactions with him on the cricket field. He was a truly impressive person in every sense of the word and brought so much to this world. Sending love to all his family and loved ones.
Anonymous
Hi Dave,
It was an absolute pleasure having you in our family. From the very first you fitted in as if you’d been born into our family. It was easy to tell of your great love for Alex and it was equally obvious that my daughter loved you. There was a lot to like about you, but for me it was your obvious joy in watching and participating in sport. We enjoyed many games of golf together at Strathfield in Sydney, around London, at the Warwickshire, at The Belfry and finally at Hunstanton. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a better golf swing in amateur golf. It’s a thing of beauty !
However you made me extremely proud and happy when you asked for my daughters hand in marriage at Lords cricket ground during an England v Australia test match. As I told you that day I would have had to search long and hard and I still couldn’t have found a better man for Alex.
Your going has left a profound hole in the lives of everyone you touched including your wife, the Mackenzie clan, the Phelan/Joyce clan and all the many friends you touched during your too short life.
Whilst we are left to pick up the pieces, we can look back fondly at the innumerable memories we have of you and know in our hearts you are with us !
Vale David Alexander Mackenzie ❤️❤️❤️
Tom Phelan
“Sunflowers
With irresistible charm,
they stand tall, Unabashedly seeking the source of their sustenance.
Sunflowers show us the beauty of staying connected with all that nourishes us.”

Dear Dave, we are honoured to have been so close to you here in Abu Dhabi. You have left a hole that can never be filled in our hearts, however we will choose to fill it with memories of you and making new ones that honour your life.
Like a brother to me, Husband to my best friend. Best friend to my Husband And Now and Angel Godfather to our Daughter Grace.
We love you x

To the McKenzie family, we are so very sorry for your loss and very much hope to meet you all in the future to share stories of your beautiful boy.
Natalie, Ewen & Grace x
Thinking of you all today.
Marie Wilkinson
Dave a pleasure to know you, a wonderful gentleman with a great sense of humour
You were a much loved husband, brother and son to the Mackenzie family
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Mackenzie family for their great loss as I’m sure their pain is intense.
Please all stay safe, all my love
Carmel Funston
Dave, it was a pleasure to know you, a thorough gentleman and wonderful husband to my niece and goddaughter.
Actually last night the stars actually shined brighter, as we were watching a wonderful commemoration of your life, which was wonderful.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the Mackenzie family who’s loss of such a wonderful son , brother and husband must be immense and the pain intense.
My Darling Alex stay strong, I love you
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Carmel Funston ( nee Phelan)
Gordo,

You were an amazing friend to me and many others during our time at Nottingham. You were a stalwart of the Hockey Club and a much-loved friend to all of us. As everyone has said before me, you made time for everyone and were the life and soul of any event - people gravitated towards you because of this and your warm and kind nature.

I will always laugh about how you picked me up late for training each week without fail and every time the front seat was being occupied by a freshly microwaved bowl of chicken and rice. I'd open the door and you'd have a massive grin on your face because you knew you hadn't disappointed me as the lateness and chicken just cracked me up every time.

I'm gutted we didn't see each other much these past few years as we moved to opposite other sides of the world but I will always cherish our friendship and the many laughs we had together.

To Alex and all of Dave's family, I feel truly lucky to have known Dave and to call him a friend. I send you all my love and condolences.
Fred Holland
Always the friendliest guy in the room.
Such easy company, and would always go out of your way to make sure everyone was having a good time.
A true gentleman, and a real honour to have known you Dave.
Rest in peace you brilliant man.
George Blurton
Wishing the entire family our heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of your Dave. What a beautiful, poignant service. Sending all our love, prayers and strength. xxxx
Simon, Cathy, Tom, Lily, Alex, Alex & Ava
A beautiful service for a beautiful soul! I will cherish BABSSCo memories with you forever; all the eggs at breakfast, painting Rugby town red, kitchen parties and Lake District trips! I am privileged to have had you in my life! Thinking of you all xxx
Alice Thomson (Looby)
Share This Obituary