What a kind, thoughtful and wise man. I met David around 1995 before opening Stagecoach Wolverhampton then Stafford then Telford. He was always so calm and considered and receptive to some of my more outlandish ideas and suggestions. He taught me to retain an objective view of business without losing individual humanity. Like a gardener, he cultivated his business and all the flowers (and some weeds) with equal kindness and care. What a good man….

I have only just received the news.  David was an amazing man. Without his guidance and support in my early years, my life would have been vastly different than it is now.  There are a handful of people that I can truly thank for where I am today and David was one of the biggest influences on me in both business and more importantly my approach to life. I am truly heartbroken at this news and send my love and condolences to Davids nearest and dearest, Especially Dee who will be in our thoughts. Davids legacy lives on through all of us who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Rest in Peace. With love Frazer and Family….

I first met David at Principal Training in 2009.  He was a true gentleman and such an expert in all he taught.  He was at the core of the true meaning of Stagecoach and I hope we continue to make him proud every day with our franchises.  Thinking of his family at this difficult time.  Much Love, Katie Cole – Stagecoach Sudbury.  …

David was a key person in both of our lives. Along with Steph, he supported Dave in getting back to work following his leg amputation. This enabled Dave to have some much needed self-worth and have a purpose again. Through Fleur he found out that I was getting my book-keeping qualifications and as Stagecoach hadn’t quite established an accounts department at that time, after meeting with him he offered me the job – I was a young, single parent trying to get on in the big bad world. He didn’t hand anything to either of us, he challenged whether we could do the job required whilst at the same time, supporting our circumstances we found ourselves in. Both of us stayed with our Stagecoach family and I think that right there, speaks volumes. David, Sir, taken far too soon with still so much to give. Thank you for looking after Joan throughout lockdown. Sending Dee and her family the biggest hugs and love at this difficult time….

Dearest David, You were a true gentleman.  I thank you for all your help and encouragement in building my schools. Nothing was ever too much trouble.  You made me feel safe under your guidance, expertise and calming nature.   You had a wonderful sense of humour, and I always looked forward very much to the regional meetings with you.  I trusted you completely with every decision made, your reasons were always valid.  I remember dancing to your band at the conference, having so much fun and feeling blessed to be part of something so brilliant, warm and encouraging.  You inspired so many and I will forever be grateful to you.   Thank you David.      …

I was proud to have been David’s P.A. at Stagecoach Head Office and, whilst sharing an office with him, got to know him very well.   He was inspirational, innovative, level-headed and always a gentleman.  We laughed a lot and his clear thinking made it a pleasure to work with him.   His strengths, among many, were his problem-solving ability and never missing an opportunity to progress the business.   My memories of working with David at Stagecoach are happy ones.   My thoughts are with his wife, Dee, and his family at this sad time….

David had a big personality and always took the time to chat and engage with the staff at Head Office and the franchisees. What a legacy he has left and it is wonderful to think of how many children have passed through the Stagecoach schools and got the chance to dance, sing and act. My thoughts are with his wife Dee, his family and close friends. I truly hope he is somewhere up there, performing a drum solo for all the angels!…

This is how I will remember David.  I first met David and Steph in 1993 when I came down from Liverpool to MD Easy Stages, I never returned!  David was an amazing boss and friend who always made time for me.  He encouraged and inspired me in so many ways, thank you for believing in me, the success of my schools in Spain and Gibraltar is because of you and Steph, I will always be grateful. The Stagecoach Band was a great initiative to united the international principals, what fun we had! Much love Dee, I’m thinking about you xxx…

Meeting David Edward McDonald Sprigg in 1987 completely changed my life and made all my dreams come true. I was the luckiest person alive and will be forever grateful to God, Fate, and most especially, to David, for the thrilling and successful journey we embarked upon together. We had such FUN growing our fledgling business throughout the following 25 years. I recognise that many people have flourished over the years as a result of Stagecoach, from franchisees to students; from teachers to head office staff, but without David none of that would have happened. David’s passing has left the world bereft of a giant of a man. An exceptional, kind, brilliant, inspirational man. I’m blessed to have known him. I send special love and condolences to Dee, to Maya and to the family.  …

My six year old just asked me if I went to Stagecoach when I was little, I said “no, it wasn’t around when I was little” and then I told him how it started with two people working on an idea, building upon it and working to develop it. It is amazing how that idea grew into something huge. When you read all these messages and think of how David and Steph have positively impacted so many people it is impossibe not to be impressed. David was driven and passionate and worked so hard for what he truly belived in. Working at Head Office had a real family feel, I made life long friends there… plus, thanks to David, I have been a passenger in some very cool super cars! David has touched so many lives, I hope that Dee, you find some kind of comfort in this. Sending so much love to you and your family at this terribly sad time….

To David – thank you so much for your guidance and support in business.  You taught me so much how to conduct oneself in business with respect and fairness to everyone.  You are a gentlemen of business and a positive role model for anyone who wishes to make a positive  impact in life. To Dee, my condolences to you and the family.  You were David’s support as David was the support to so many people.  Thank you both so much.  I had an amazing time for 10 years at Stagecoach – and I would like to thank both David and Steph for the amazing opportunity to be part of something special – helping thousands of children perform better in life.   Thank you Fleur for arranging this amazing tribute to an amazing man.  David, rest in peace knowing that you have helped inspire and positivitly transformed the lives of so many people,  Richard   …

I was extremely sorry to hear the news of David’s passing. It was an honour and a pleasure to work for Steph and David at Stagecoach Head Office, and thanks to them, it truly did feel like being part of a family. David was great fun, always so approachable and helpful and involved with everyone at all levels. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with and for him, and greatly admired everything he and Steph achieved – it was impossible not to. His work made a huge impact on so many people, and it was a privilege to know him. Lots of love and my deepest condolences to Dee….

I am both shocked and saddened to hear the news and send my love and a warm hug to Dee. With the same passion he had for a motorised vehicle David skilfully steered Stagecoach along its route towards ever expanding new and creative horizons. A driving force with sharp business skills David was always there to welcome on board clients and colleagues alike with his enthusiasm, sound advice, encouragement and a good deal of humour. “Master of the (Court)House” indeed!…

David made the most tremendous difference to my life on so many occasions, big and small, and I will be forever grateful. His kindness, wisdom and generosity of spirit was immense and I feel incredibly fortunate to have known his friendship and support for so many years. Along with Steph, he truly changed lives – 1000’s of them – and his legacy is that of hope, possibility, achievement, happiness and fulfilment for so many…what a legacy! Thank you David and RIP. My heartfelt condolences to Dee and his family xx…