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Med trip in the late 70’s on HMS Bulwark. I am proud and honoured to have known Sandy in our teens. A gentleman and a gentle man! I remember the first day Sandy joined 45cdo. And arrived at our accommodation where i was the first person he met in the room. He stood to attention and asked where his bed was. I told him to relax and chose any bed! For the rest of our careers, I was the one standing to attention to Sandy.!! Rest my good friend.
I had the great privilege to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Sandy for more years than I care to remember. During that time he continually inspired, impressed and humbled me with his ability to continually exceed expectations of every task that was asked of him. As with the rest of his life Sandy gave 100% to his work and he quickly became my Go-to man for any critical issues that required determination, attention to detail and yes, diplomacy! Above all, he was an honourable and reliable man who became a great friend as well as a colleague. Although tough and uncompromising he had an immense heart which was possibly only matched by his capacity for exotic and imaginative profanities! Sandy wrote the book on how to get the most out of life and in so doing, made life so much more rewarding for all those who were lucky enough to meet him. Sandy, if you're stagging-on when I pitch-up at the Main Gate, put in a decent word for me mate - you are sorely missed. Chris Sloan
At the 2019 DUSA staff Christmas party, where Sandy made me believe in Santa again.
I met Sandy close to four years ago; he was a member of the interview panel for the post I currently hold at DUSA. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but Sandy was funny, gentle, and kind, asking the necessary questions in a manner that put me at ease. One of the things that really impressed me was after I started in the role, Sandy would come by every day for a quick chat, to see how I was getting on and if there was anything he could help me with. He took time to get to know me, which many upper level managers just don't do, and I so relished our daily chats. The thing I will always remember and treasure about Sandy is the great kindness and sensitivity he showed to me when I returned to work following the death of my Mom in 2017. I can still hear the words of comfort he offered me, and the much-needed hug he gave me. A dedicated, joyous and caring gentleman - he cared greatly deeply about DUSA and all its employees and for the brief time I knew him, he greatly enriched my world.
Sandy you were a mountain of a man. You were funny, generous and a true friend. I cannot believe you have left us so early. We spent many hours together on deployment and I have so many happy memories of our time together. Look after yourself mate wherever you are and hopefully we will meet up again someday. RIP
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sandy for four years now, first as a Senior Manager many levels above me on the DUSA ladder. As the scared little nightclub student staff, it always struck me that he took the time to learn my name and ask how I was doing when we passed each other on the stairs. Later, when i joined the Student Executive and I got to know him, I learned about how passionate a man he was, for his work, for his friends and for his family. The last project we worked on together was a crazy charity fundraiser idea that any Health & Safety lead would shut down in a second. However, he really saw the potential and threw himself into it, coming up with ideas to do it safely and really going above and beyond to make it work. It was a project that I cared deeply about, and to see him get so passionate and excited about it is something that has stuck with me over lockdown. For a lot of the Student Exec teams, he took them under his wing to help them through their time in office. He was a great teacher, a fantastic supporter and a core reason why DUSA is what it is today. He won’t be forgotten. RIP Sandy.
Absolutely shocked to hear about the sad news. So many fond memories from The Union. Sandy played a large part in helping me get to where I am in my career today as well as always offering me solid advice, be it personal or work-related. For that, I will be forever grateful. My sincere condolences to Val, family, and friends. Rest easy. Ameen x
I was Truly devastated to hear the news about Sandy all our love and support goes out to beautiful Val, the family and your friends. I Cannot thank you enough for being such a great mentor and support for Lofty - he truly did look up to you..... More importantly however, we’re both hugely blessed and privileged to call you, and Val, great friends. Thankful to have many memories over the years which we will treasure for ever. Rest easy xx
Absolutely gutted and still trying to get my head around this news; a boss, a mentor and a very good friend. I’m only glad that I had the privilege to work with him so closely over the last 14 years. I will take many lessons with me, not just on a professional front (of which there are many) but his wit, humour (questionable dress sense, until Val came along!) and larger than life attitude. Hopefully him and his former marine friends will invite a civvy like me to a few wets at the last RV. Sierra Kilo - much love - over and out. XX
To the DUSA Exec, Sandy was always the "fun uncle", always up for a laugh and loved new ideas but always made sure they didn't step too far out of line and always a listening ear. He looked after a few of us on nights out while he was working too.
Sandy was one of the few people who found my sense of humour amusing. He was always the life and soul of the party and will be sorely missed.
Not only was he a fine Man and Royal Marine Chef but in a lifetime of catering he was the only Chef I ever saw crack a whole tray of double yolked eggs ! RIP Sandy Ed Birch
Along time ago in France with Trev Chacksfield and Cass Clay,,,,,,,,,,
Leanne Allen
Leanne Allen
Have never, and will never, have the privilege of knowing someone more quietly tenacious, fiercely loyal, empathetic and intuitive than SK. A true gent and an absolute legend. RIP Sandy. You’ll never be forgotten in the hearts of many ❤️
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