When I think of Dan, one of the first things that comes to mind is how funny he was—not least when it came to the Finny and Bristow duo! He had a wonderful ability to defuse an awkward situation and lighten the mood with a hilarious comment.

But alongside that sense of humour was a genuine curiosity about people—what they were up to, how they were feeling and what mattered to them. His questions never felt intrusive; you simply felt that he cared and was truly interested in what people had to say and what made them tick.

That care for others was simply part of who Dan was. I remember visiting him when he was already unwell and telling him about an issue I was having. Despite everything going on in his own life, he took the time to think about it and offer me advice. That was Dan in a nutshell.

I feel so lucky to have known Dan as both a colleague and a friend. I will always carry his memory fondly, with me.

Jackie, I am thinking of you and the boys. Dan was such a wonderful, funny and caring man, and I know he will live on through all of you.