David Demaine RIP

News has reached us from Canada of the death of David Demaine, who died on 19th May in Colombia at the age of 83. He will be best remembered for his part in chasing an armed bank robber, along with two police officers, through the streets of Liverpool city centre in June 1962, for which he received the Queen’s Commendation for brave conduct. Shots were heard as the bank raider made his getaway, but he was subsequently caught.

David Jack Demaine was born in Cleveleys on 7th May 1942. He was named after David Jack, his father’s footballing hero. David joined Southport as a twenty-year-old from Tranmere Rovers in July 1962. A diminutive right winger, he started his career with Blackpool, playing in their Reserve and “A” teams. He made his Football League debut for Tranmere at Chesterfield on 17th March 1962, but managed just one further Football League appearance for the Prenton Park outfit. He impressed Southport manager Lem Newcomb when playing for Rovers against Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup. He was initially retained by Tranmere, who wanted him to become a full-time professional. Demaine refused because he did not wish to give up his job, and he was freed.

In a fourteen-day spell between 27th August and 10th September, David made five League appearances as well as playing in the Football League Cup tie against Rochdale. He impressed on his home debut against Hartlepools United and had a hand in both Reg Blore’s goals. Thereafter, he spent the rest of the season in the Reserves, appearing in 34 Lancashire Combination games and scoring 13 goals, which was evidence of his scoring potential. Modest and unassuming, he did not mention the award to any of the players when he attended training immediately after receiving his commendation for bravery.

David was given a free transfer at the end of the season, joining Sankeys in the Cheshire County League. His contract was terminated by mutual consent in November 1963, and he signed for Llandudno. He was the team’s star forward and remained there until April 1965, when he emigrated to Canada to rejoin his parents. David joined Toronto Roma and went on to play with some success in both Canada and the United States for several years for teams including Hartford Soccer Club, New York Ukrainians, Newark Ukrainians, and Toronto Falcons. His son, Steve, played in the Canadian Soccer League.

David ran a fashion company, and his talent for designing clothes led him to frequent business trips to Guatemala. He visited Southport some ten years ago, when Geoff Wilde and I spent an enjoyable couple of hours with him reminiscing about his time at Haig Avenue and his part in apprehending a bank robber.