Chris’ Memories
I first met Dominic when we both attended Burley Middle School and we remained firm friends since then. I think it’s fair to say that even at an early age he was strong-willed, determined and hardworking - qualities which were put to use helping out at Middle School Fetes…somehow we seemed to get roped-in to help with these even after we’d left!  It’s fair to say Dom made an impression on me, messing about on the bouncy castle after one of these Dominic landed on my knee and I don’t think I’ve walked the same since.  Dom’s first paid job was a paperboy, he had 3 lengthy paper rounds and I used to dread him being away and having to cover them.
 
At Ilkley Grammar Dominic gained something of a reputation with the science department as a result of a couple of notable episodes. Dom was at the forefront of technology and was known for carrying a mobile phone the size of a breezeblock around in his brief case, despite the important of science in the development of the phone, Mr Lambert, the physics teacher, was not amused when it rang mid-lesson! However, this paled into insignificance when Dom placed a lit splint into a gas-syringe full of hydrogen – the resulting bang heard 3-floors below, Mr Bullock the chemistry teacher was somewhat traumatised by the event! 
 
It was whilst we were at the Grammar School that we first started messing around DJ-ing at Regent’s Road Youth Club Ilkley. We also wanted to start doing mobile discos also so not being able to afford new equipment we scrabbled together what second-hand kit we could, and Dominic revealed a hither-to unknown skill of woodwork building light boxes.  We spent many hours painting the boxes and soldering the ‘bulgin’ plugs - the end result was pretty professional looking and still being used by me when I occasionally DJ’d twenty years later.  This focus on the equipment was very telling - as he said to me in our last conversation when I saw him shortly before he passed away ‘it was always about the gear much more than the music’.
 
It was about this time that “Dom’s Law” was first coined.  Once we had both passed our driving tests, we started to do mobile discos when we could scrounge use of either his Mum’s ex-RAF Morris Minor Traveller or my Dad’s bright orange Vauxhall Cavalier saloon. What soon became evident was that no matter what car you had, or how much equipment you needed for the Disco, it always just fitted - even if that meant the speakers went on the back seat.  Thus, Dom’s law reads ‘No matter how much equipment, no matter what size vehicle, it will always just fit.’  We still use it today in many other walks of life – it’s amazing how useful Dom is when you’re packing for holiday!
 
And our exploits weren’t confined to West Yorkshire – for two half-term holidays we found ourselves in a Swiss ski resort as the evening entertainment for a holiday company running drama and music camps for schools.  Whilst I was at university Dom provided a useful top-up of my student grant, lining up disco bookings for me when I was back for the holidays.  Thankfully by this time we did have slightly more practical cars – his red Sierra estate, my red Renault hatchback.
 
Hard work was always the cornerstone of Dom’s philosophy – he worked hard to build his Disco and Sound Equipment hire business, realising there wasn’t much call for that during daylight hours he qualified as an electrician and then realising he wasn’t being productive in his free time bought a house in Ilkley and completely gutted it.  Time spent visiting him would be split between admiring the latest work on the house and his latest bit of sound/light equipment.
 
Dominic was always very generous with his time and expertise – as an electrician and as a DJ.  He came down to west London to put an alarm in my new house and this was the first time we got to meet Jennie – enjoying a lovely summer’s evening at the July 4th celebrations of the nearby American air force base.  When the Methodist Youth Club I was a leader of hosted the national MAYC quiz – who did I pick up the phone to for help with the PA – Dominic.  When we renovated our flat in Ilkley it was Dom we turned to for a recommendation of a builder and, of course, to do the wiring.  
 
Jennie and Dom made such a great team and we so enjoyed spending time with them and seeing progress on their next big project the house in Menston…and in time, their two smaller projects Eleanor and Harry.
 
Dom was one of my oldest friendships and it’s difficult not having him there on then end of the phone when I want to run a technical problem past someone - or just seeing an article I know would appeal to his inquisitive mind.  Cruelly the volume fader went down on Dom’s life way too early and we will miss him greatly but he leaves a lasting legacy “Dom’s Law”…and literally every light switch and plug socket in our home.  Rest in peace my friend and thank you for the memories.
 
Karen’s Memories
Memories of Dom are invariably of him working, be as a DJ or building / electrical work. Even his trips to visit us in London entailed an overnight bag and a tool kit! One of these trips was the first time we met his darling wife to be, Jennie.   Whilst we didn’t regularly see Dom and Jennie it never felt like so much time had passed, the boys immediately talking wires and cables, Jennie and I passing knowing looks!! Dom was always there for us…there when we needed a trusted electrician and there when you drive 200 miles, won’t be back for months and remember you’ve left milk in a fridge!  The last time we saw Dom, weeks before he passed, despite his failing health he was ever the strong and dignified man that we knew and we’ll carry these memories with us.   The love and bond between Jennie and Dom was ever more apparent, we take comfort that they had time together as a family and give thanks to them both for their friendship.  My thanks too to Dom’s Law as clearly it extends to fitting things in the freezer!!