I have only recently heard about David’s death and am shocked and saddened. I worked with David on a number of development projects and always found him a trusted, hardworking and friendly colleague, always willing to take time to explain and discuss issues and seek solutions. His passing is a great loss of a truly professional expert in his field, and also I know of a family man. My thoughts are with his family, friemds and colleagues….

Writing in this Book of Condolence for Dave is incredibly difficult and I continue to struggle with the realisation that he is no longer with us. I have known Dave for nearly half my life, from his early days as a Graduate at Terence O’Rourke, through our years working together on renewable energy projects at AGR and sharing an office by Southampton Airport, to our time at SLR where I had the privilege of being both his colleague and line manager. Dave was my ‘right hand man’ on key client projects, and it is hard to accept that I won’t see him again in the Southampton office, at social events, on Teams calls, or receive our regular 5pm catch-up calls. Dave was taken from us far too soon and far too quickly. When we learned how rapidly his illness was progressing, we all wished for more time to tell him how much he meant to us. However these are always difficult conversations to have, and Dave’s time and energy were precious, however I hope he found comfort in knowing how many friends and colleagues were thinking of him and wishing him well. The messages I have received from colleagues,…

I started SLR shortly after David, and David was one of the PMs that I was asked to support.  David was such a warm and gentle person and he will be missed by all.  My thoughts are with all of David’s friends and family during this time. Sarah (Project Controller, EIA Team)…

I first met David when he joined SLR not too long after I joined. David was such a warm, kind and thoughtful colleague and it was a pleasure being in his company and to have worked alongside him. I know that all his colleagues and clients held him in high regard, and he was an extremely valued member of the team. I am very saddened by his passing, he will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends. Laura …

Even though I had only known David since he joined SLR he has left a lasting impression on me and our team. His dedication, contribution, spirit and kindness will be deeply missed. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time. Helen (Project Controller, EIA Team)…

David was a consummate professional, he worked with us on our various development projects when he was at Campbell Reith and SLR….but the thing that really stood out was how kind David was.  You could tell that he cared about his work and those around him, it’s not often you come across both those characteristics and he really shone as person.  I recall watching the rugby with him at Twickenham and having a few beers afterwards, the conversation wasn’t just about work or the match, he was interested in you as a person.  He always went the extra mile to help with a project or solving a problem even when he didn’t have to.  He will be missed and my thoughts and the rest of the Landlink team are with you.  Andrew…

I absolutely loved working with David – he was so professional, so competent, in such a charming and considered way.  He was the ultimate ‘safe pair of hands’ on the complexities of environmental assessment.  We first worked with him on the Silverstone Circuit planning application nearly 15 years ago.  This was one of the largest planning applications in the country, covering Highways England, two counties, two districts and six parish councils.  A Goliath of an application.  Not for David.  He will be missed.  Sincere condolences from Bloombridge LLP.  …

I worked with Dave at AGR Renewables around 2014/15. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and caring. I learned a lot from the wonderful man, not only about renewable energy project planning approvals/EIA etc, but also how to be a decent human being with respect for all people around us. He had an incredible sense of humour, so we shared a lot of laughs together. I’m so terribly sad to hear of his passing and would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues. Kia kaha – stay strong. Arohanui – big love – from across the world down in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Fly high, dear Dave….

I was deeply saddened to hear about David’s passing. Although I only had the pleasure of knowing him for a short time over the past year, he made a lasting impression! He was such a funny, approachable, and easy-going guy, whether in the office or at the pub, he was such a complete joy to be around. I had the privilege of joining David on a site visit, and what struck me most that day was not only his extensive technical knowledge, but also how proudly and lovingly he spoke about his family. Through our chats that day it was clear how much he absolutely loved being a father. David will be greatly missed by all of us at SLR. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Brenna…

David and I crossed paths only a handful of times at SLR, but despite this he left a lasting impression on me as someone who was warm, caring and dedicated. I instantly recognised that he was an extremely well-respected friend and colleague by many. My first time meeting David was at an SLR work do, and after chatting for a short while it soon became clear that we lived just a town apart from one another and David wasted no time in insisting that he gave me a lift home. During that journey David showed genuine interest in getting to know me and my role at SLR, something which sticks with me now. Following that, every time I met David, I felt a warmth that you would normally only get from a lifelong friend. David will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him, no matter for how long….

I knew Dave as a dedicated professional with patience and integrity during the years we worked together at Terence O’Rourke, and more recently at SLR. He earned the respect of all who worked with him for his EIA knowledge, sharp wit and calm demeanour. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Dave ruffled. He will be very much missed, not just for being excellent at his job, but because he was such a genuine and decent person. It was a privilege to work with him. Deepest condolences, Jennifer…

Dave, so sad to hear of this news. You were a gentle giant – friendly and warm. Always generous with your time.  You will be missed.  …

I was deeply saddened to learn of David’s passing. He was truly one of those rare people who left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with. I had the pleasure to work with him at AGRenewables, and although this is over a decade ago, I will always remember Dave’s warm smile and gentle way of approaching everything—he had this wonderful ability to be both thoroughly professional and genuinely encouraging. He was a gentle giant in every sense, someone who made others feel valued and supported simply by being himself. He was taken far too soon, my thoughts are with his family and all who loved him during this difficult time….

Having only known David since he worked at SLR he was a pleasure to work for, and my land survey team echo my words that he was one of those good blokes that you enjoy working with! We are saddened to hear such sad news and our thoughts are with his family and friends….

David, you have been a great source of knowledge and inspiration during my time working alongside you at CampbellReith. You have always been calm, a very good listener and willing to help. Everyone who has worked with you and known you will attest to the great person that you were. And when we were not talking work, there was always time to comment about football, Anfield and the Kops. My sincere condolences to the family, loved ones and close friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, hoping that you can find solace….