On my first day at University in September 1978 I had the incredible good fortune to sit next to a young guy from “The Broch”.  We bonded instantly and became friends.  At the time I did not realise what a special person he was, but reminiscing over 42 years of friendship, I can look back at that day and realise how lucky I was to sit beside him.  At the time he was just a great guy to be around.

Together we studied, played, partied, founded a football team, made friends, sang, danced, drank, celebrated, graduated, qualified but most importantly laughed.
We shared flats, worked at the same accountancy firm (Arthur Young) and  both left Aberdeen for England ending up living a few miles distant from each other.
In all the time we knew each other I cannot recall a cross word or a disagreement.  We liked the same things, shared interests and always looked out for each other.
I would like to say that we never really matured and we continued laughing and partying throughout. 
 
The last time we were out we had tea and a cake in a garden centre.  Upon leaving Dave turned to me and said “we cannot do this again, it’s just not us. Pub next time!”
Dave played football with me, and against me.  I remember being completely fooled by this guy who had no pace, could not tackle or head the ball, but beat me every time.  I played against him when he played for Fraserburgh and the only way I could handle him was too kick him, which he took with his usual grace.  A stalwart for McTeagle United both on the pitch, and in the Blue Lamp after the game.  He injured his knee playing five a side against me, as he tried to tackle me missed and tackled the wall.  After that he played in goal and we could not score against him.
Our flat in Anderson Drive in Aberdeen was fantastic, until we got our hands on it.  Food parcels from home were eaten by Dave immediately (several pounds of sausages) to prevent unwanted late night snacking on the return from the Earls Court.  The kitchen was a challenge, but the days flew by in a noisy, socks drying in front of the gas fire, fun way .
He met Val in Aberdeen and he was besotted.  On the way to his first date with her, he changed his shirt 5 times before going out, asking my opinion on each one.  As if I knew – he was the style icon.
Clearly Val was impressed by his choice of shirt.
Scroll forward and with Finn at University, Dave was looking forward to a more relaxed time and retirement, spending more time with the love of his life.
 
Dave was proud of Finn, but never boasted or compared.  That was Dave – you knew it was not a competition but a shared joy.  I hope that Finn will remember what a special person he was lucky to have as his father.
Family and friends were important to Dave and he was always happy when there was an occasion to get together.  Dave was the spark in the party, who would get you laughing, and put you at your ease.  Everyone looked forward to catching up with Dave as he made them feel special.
 

 
David Bichan was a special person.  He saw the good in everyone, was interested in what they had to say, their interests, problems and joys.  He was my friend, but also the friend of countless others who could see what a special guy he was.
He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, and especially by his friends.  My heart goes out to Val, Finn and his family who have lost a wonderful person.  I hope they can find some peace in remembering the good times they have spent over the years.
 
 
David was my friend and I have wonderful memories which have come from a chance meeting 42 years ago.  Knowing Dave has been a joy, a privilege and just fun.  I will miss him terribly.
 It is awful that we cannot get together to remember him at this time, but we will do so to celebrate his life as soon as we can.  It is a party I will not miss and I know that Dave will be there inside us all.
 
Dave was the best of men, and all our lives were enriched through knowing him.