4BR has been informed of the death of the respected conductor and musician David Ruel, who passed away, unexpectedly, yet peacefully at home on Monday 22nd April 2019 at the age of 68.
Numerous associations
Best known for his long and successful associations as conductor of the then Friary Guildford Band and more latterly Cobham Band, he started playing with his local Boys' Brigade company in Yiewsley, Middlesex.
In his formative years, he played solo cornet with the Yiewsley & West Drayton Band before enjoying tenures with Hillingdon Borough Band as a player and bandmaster and Camberley Band. He returned to the Yiewsley & West Drayton Band as conductor in 1981.
Following a period working in Singapore where he formed a brass band in conjunction with the Singapore St. John Ambulance Brigade he returned to the UK, rejoining the Camberley Band and when the opportunity arose, moved on to Friary Guildford Band.
He continued to work successfully with a number of bands, and became an integral part of the success of Tredegar Band, bringing a level of professional business acumen and expertise that helped the band to renewed success and an increased artistic profile.
MD Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "David Ruel was as an important part to the success of Tredegar Band as any player. I was fortunate to work with him both in a musical and business capacity and his obvious enthusiasm and love of brass banding was backed by razor sharp business expertise. We are greatly saddened on hearing of his death. His commitment and friendship will be greatly missed."
Since leaving Cobham Band David has continued to assist other local bands with rehearsals and engagements including Yiewsley & West Drayton Band and Alder Valley Brass.
He was appointed Musical Director of the Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band in September 2016 — the band enjoying a renewed enthusiasm and success under his baton.
In addition, David served as the National Secretary of The National Association of Brass Band Conductors and as an Executive Committee member of The Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association.
Service of Thanksgiving
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Fernhill Road in Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9BN on Saturday 4th May 2019 at 11:00 am.
Flowers are welcome to Noble Funeral Service Limited at 191, Mytchett Road, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6AZ.
Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation, please do so to The Southern Counties Youth Band. Please send cheques payable to 'Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association' to Ms A. Sears at 12 Badger Place, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0GW. Please kindly mark the back of the cheque 'In memory of David Ruel'.
The Ruel Family is very grateful for the many kind words and shared memories at this difficult time.
