Tributes have been pouring in for well-known Inverness bouncer and ‘true gentleman’ David Mullen.
David died unexpectedly on Sunday June 15 on his 49th birthday and Father’s Day.
David was a well-known face in the city centre, where he worked as a doorman for more than 20 years.
He was often spotted at the doors of R&Bs and MacCallums, where customers described him as ‘the perfect doorman’.
David was a loving father to four children: Hayley, Jordan, Amelia, and Kaiden.
He was also a doting grandfather or “Pops” to Kaitlyn, Sophie and Farah.
David was also looking forward to marrying his long-term partner Emilia in Poland next year.
Inverness born and bred, David was raised in the Hilton area with his mum, Cathy, her partner Martin and his three sisters Louise, Christina and Gemma.
A passionate sports fan, David was a familiar figure in the city’s sports circles. His eldest daughter Hayley Goddard said: “He loved sports, football, martial arts and especially basketball.
“He played basketball professionally for Tulloch, taking him and his team to a world championship tournament in Germany.
“He loved to play basketball and even coached and ran a local children’s basketball club.”
Alongside his work as a doorman, David also spent time working in local restaurants The Mustard Seed and Cafe1.
More recently, David changed career and started working in care.
Hayley said this was ‘very fitting’ for her Dad, adding: “He was the most caring person and would go out of his way to help anyone and always put others before himself.”
In a social media post, David’s former employer R&Bs confirmed his passing. They said: “As many of you know, we lost David Mullen unexpectedly on Father’s Day and his birthday.
“David was a familiar face in our town, known for his kindness and dedication to helping others.
“To honour his memory, we are raising funds to assist with funeral costs and to support his young children.
“Every little bit helps, and your kindness would mean the world to us.”
The bar posted a link to the fundraiser on Go Fund Me.
R&Bs will also be holding a ‘celebration of life’ party on Sunday, June 22 to honour David.
The bar will be open from 7-11pm and all proceeds from the night will go to fundraiser – with bar and door staff agreeing to work the event for free.
Friends and former colleagues also paid tribute to David, who had been a well-known presence in Inverness during his 20 years as a doorman.
Tracey Mackinnon said: “RIP Dave. You were a true gentleman, you will be sadly missed by all. My thoughts are with Emilia and all your family at this sad time.”
Dave Levon said: “A lovely man with a gentle soul who knows how to be kind, the perfect doorman.”
MacCallums Bar said: “A well-kent presence on our front door at MacCallums for many years.
“Dave was loved and respected by staff and locals, many of whom he was keeping safe as far back as when he was working in Blue Nightclub.”
David’s daughter Hayley added: “The family would like to say how grateful we are. We are overwhelmed with all the messages of love and support at this difficult time.”
Source – Press & Journal
