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, former colleagues, and Dave’s clients speak volumes about how fondly he was regarded and how deeply respected he was. Dave was one of the most loyal, principled, polite, and genuinely friendly people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He had a big presence and an even bigger heart, always showing genuine interest in others. Patient, hardworking, thorough, and dedicated, Dave always made time for colleagues and clients alike. I knew I could always rely on him; any task entrusted to Dave was in safe hands, thoroughly understood, assessed, and presented.
Dave also had a wonderful sense of humour. I will greatly miss the jokes, the good humour, and the banter. He truly was a ‘top bloke’, and it was an honour to have known him and to have been his friend. I dearly wish he was still with us.
To Andrea and Ben, Diane, and Richard: you should be so proud of Dave as a son, brother, husband, and father. I hope the tributes in this Book of Condolence bring you some comfort now and, in the years, ahead. My sincerest condolences to you all.