Extraordinary
ADRIAN was the first of my three sons, a delightful little boy, inquisitive, sensitive and with a beautiful, ready smile. Goodnatured and helpful to everyone, at 18 months he loved nothing better than to climb on a chair and help me with the washing-up. Later, at his Catholic school in our home town of Wath upon Dearne in South Yorkshire, he would help classmates struggling with maths. He studied hard, excelled in music and was head boy of his school house. In his teens, he joined the Air Cadets and enjoyed going on field trips and running a stall at a local fair to raise funds. He loved to draw. He had a talent for it and went on to Birmingham University to do a fine arts degree. But his keen sense of public service saw him choose a career in the police force. As a junior police constable, he was on duty at the Hillsborough stadium on the day of the disaster in 1989, saving people from the crush and helping the injured. The terrible scenes he witnessed never left him. He went on to do administrative work for the police as a proceeds of crime officer in Hull. It was a sad disappointment for him when his
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marriage broke up and though he had other relationships, he preferred to live alone and never had children. Adrian was close to his family, particularly his six nephews and nieces. He enjoyed big get-togethers, especially Christmas, when he’d always be the one to decorate the tree. He was a real gentleman, well-liked and had many close friends. I will never forget the kindness and compassion he showed me when his father died. His support and encouragement, the warmth of his hugs and his cheery smile meant a great deal and helped me through the loss. His father had been a member of the RSPB and through him Adrian developed a love for birds. As well as fund-raising, he was a volunteer at a local bird sanctuary. He was never happier than when surrounded by nature; a family picnic in Sherwood Forest was his idea of a perfect day. It is unnatural when children die before their parents, but sometimes life’s pressures can overwhelm a sensitive individual and in the end Adrian decided not to carry on. His family is heartbroken that we have lost him, but we will always remember and celebrate his achievements and his many qualities as a son, brother and uncle. I couldn’t be more proud of him. n aDrian MiChaEL DaLEy, born March 29, 1964; died December 2, 2020, aged 56. SAMARITANS: 116 123; samaritans.org